Published: 30/01/2026
Energy efficiency is moving back to the centre of housing policy, and recent government announcements suggest landlords will be firmly in the spotlight over the next few years.While ministers have stopped short of setting hard deadlines or enforcement rules, the direction of travel is clear: rental homes are expected to become cheaper to heat, more energy efficient, and easier for tenants to live in as energy costs remain a national concern.
Two developments in particular are worth landlords paying attention to.
The Warm Homes Plan and the role of the private rented sector
The government has outlined its Warm Homes Plan, a long-term programme aimed at upgrading millions of UK homes and tackling fuel poverty.At the headline level, the plan includes:
• a £15bn commitment to improve up to five million properties by 2030
• support for measures such as insulation, low-carbon heating and renewables
• a £7,500 heat pump grant, alongside loans and incentives for solar panels and other upgrades
Although the language is framed around households and energy bills, landlords are very much part of the picture. Ministers have been explicit that property owners are expected to contribute to delivering warmer, more efficient homes, particularly in the private rented sector where tenants have limited control over improvements.
What remains unclear is how support will be allocated, which properties will be prioritised, and how obligations may differ between owner-occupied and rented homes. Those details are still to come, but the expectation that landlords will need to engage is already being signalled.
EPC changes from 2026: why this matters
Alongside funding announcements, the government has confirmed that Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be reformed from 2026.The intention is to modernise EPCs so they give a more accurate and meaningful assessment of a property’s energy performance. Consultations to date have suggested changes could include:
• how scores are calculated
• how information is presented to landlords and tenants
• how often EPCs may need to be renewed
These reforms sit alongside longer-term ambitions to raise minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector. While previous proposals have been delayed, the policy direction has not disappeared — it has simply been reset.
For landlords, the key point is that EPCs are likely to become more influential, not less, in determining compliance and future investment decisions.
What we’re advising our landlords
At this stage, we’re not advising landlords to rush into expensive works or make changes based on speculation. Instead, our guidance is focused on sensible preparation:• Understand where your properties currently sit by reviewing existing EPC ratings
• Identify which improvements would deliver the biggest efficiency gains if standards tighten
• Factor energy efficiency into longer-term maintenance and refurbishment plans
• Keep informed on grants, loans and incentives as eligibility criteria are clarified
This approach allows landlords to stay ahead of potential changes without over-investing before the regulatory picture is fully defined.
Final thoughts
The government’s approach to energy efficiency is evolving rather than abrupt, but the trajectory is unmistakable. Rental properties are expected to play a meaningful role in reducing energy bills and emissions, and EPC reform will be a key lever in making that happen.Landlords who stay informed and plan ahead will be in a stronger position to adapt — especially as financial support and clearer guidance begins to take shape.