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In January 2026 the Government launched the Warm Homes Plan as part of its ongoing objective to achieve net zero. The aim is to reduce UK energy bills and carbon emissions across the country. As a result, landlords will be required to improve the efficiency of their investment properties to a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of a C for all current and new tenancies by October 2030. However, I would not rule out a delayed implementation date as previous reform deadlines in this area were extended.

New EPC metrics will also be introduced to provide a more accurate assessment of a property’s energy performance. This will include:

• Fabric Performance: A detailed thermal performance assessment of the insulation quality and the building’s overall ability to retain heat.
• Heating System Efficiency: Enhanced reporting on the environmental impact and efficiency of the heating system with recommendations for improvement to low carbon options such as heat pumps.
• Smart Readiness: An assessment of the building’s potential to integrate smart technologies that assist with optimising energy usage.
• Energy Cost: Helping to provide a clearer insight into the financial implications associated with running the property.

As part of the Warm Homes: Local Grant, landlords who let properties with an EPC rating of D to G to tenants on a low income or in receipt of benefits may apply to their local authority. Eligible applicants can receive full funding for energy improvement upgrades on one property and a contribution up to 50% for additional properties.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) also allows landlords to apply to replace a fossil fuel system boiler with an air source heat pump with grants of up to £7,500. It is widely believed that further financial incentives may be introduced in the coming years to incentivise landlords to undertake energy improvement works and retain investment properties.

The maximum expenditure to carry out works to improve the energy rating to a C will be capped at £10,000, an increase from the current £3,500 cap. To prevent a last-minute backlog of improvement works being carried out, any works completed from October 2025 onwards will count towards a property’s cost cap in 2030. Landlords will continue to be able to register exemptions where properties meet the criteria.

Robinson & Hall works with trusted EPC assessors, and we can arrange for an assessment to be undertaken on your behalf. We can advise on the necessary improvement works and have full access to a team of trusted, insured, and highly-trained contractors. We can obtain competitive quotes and manage the works throughout.

If you would like to discuss improving the energy rating of your rental property, please contact me.