New EPC delay “prolongs uncertainty” for private landlords

New EPC delay “prolongs uncertainty” for private landlords

Private landlords are facing continued uncertainty after the government delayed planned reforms to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system.

The changes, which had been expected later this year, have now been pushed back to the second half of 2027. According to the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), this postponement extends confusion across the sector about how energy standards will be measured in future.

Although the timeline for EPC reform has shifted, the deadline for meeting Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) remains unchanged. Landlords will still be required to ensure their properties achieve at least an EPC rating of C by October 2030.

The delay creates a key challenge: landlords making improvements now cannot be certain those upgrades will meet the requirements under the future system. The reformed EPC framework is expected to significantly change how energy performance is assessed, meaning a current rating may not directly translate under the new methodology.

The NRLA warns that this lack of clarity could undermine confidence and make it harder for landlords to decide when—and how—to invest in upgrades.

To manage this uncertainty, landlords are being advised to take a cautious and strategic approach. For example, renewing an EPC before 2030 could provide additional time to adapt to future rules. In terms of improvements, focusing on core building elements such as insulation may be a safer option, as these are likely to remain important under the new system.

Overall, while the delay gives more time to prepare, it also prolongs a period of uncertainty—leaving landlords balancing the need to act now against the risk that current investments may not fully align with future requirements.