According to new research from Mortgage Advice Bureau, two-fifths of landlords believe that new EPC requirements are important for the environment and will help tackle climate change.

A further third believe that upgrading their properties’ EPC ratings will have a net benefit to the UK’s carbon emissions targets. 

The research findings are published as residential landlords await confirmation of proposed reforms to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard regulation. 

Under the proposed changes, rental properties will need an EPC rating of at least C by 2028, with an earlier deadline of 2025 for new tenancies. 

MAB says that for landlords, this is a race against time. Whilst 30 per cent are confident they’ll reach the deadline with ease, almost half admit it will only be by the skin of their teeth as they retrofit properties.  

Alongside landlords’ own desire to reduce their properties’ impact on the environment, tenant demand is also a key factor. Some 31 per cent of landlords believe the upgrades will make their properties more attractive by lowering tenants’ bills.  

One in six landlords have been asked if the property they are letting is energy efficient, and a similar number have been asked specifically about the EPC rating. In particular, 17 per cent have been asked whether they’ll be installing heating controls, 16 per cent about installing a smart meter, and 15 per cent on getting double or triple window glazing. 

Ben Thompson, deputy chief executive at Mortgage Advice Bureau, says: “Landlords seem to be working with a lot of information in terms of regulations and deadlines that aren’t quite set in stone, yet the 2025 countdown remains for EPC rating improvements. The good news is, many landlords are making progress, despite some challenges. 

“There are some very clear and urgent motivations behind making this change. Tackling the ongoing climate crisis is at the forefront of many of our minds, and for landlords and the future of their portfolios, being able to help tenants navigate the economic climate of high energy bills is key.  

“While many already have plans in place, concerns and an element of confusion remains. Exactly what landlords are working to, and by when, must be clarified as soon as possible, and this must be accompanied by support to help landlords improve EPC ratings.”