Over half of landlords who own properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below C are putting off work to upgrade their properties.

This is due to the later deadline that’s in place, as all rental properties must have an EPC rating of at least a C by 2030.

It was previously 2025, before being shifted to 2028, and now 2030.

Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, which conducted the research, said: “It’s encouraging that half of our landlords have properties at C rating or above. But those landlords who don’t, and who are putting off upgrading their properties, need to be careful.

“Kicking the can down the road may mean that, with a national skilled worker shortage, landlords risk not getting the work done in time, They may face significant fines as a consequence.

“As a buy-to-let lender we are here to help should landlords need extra financing for upgrade work.

“Demand for decent rental properties already continues to outstrip supply, with many tenants ready and willing to rent across the country. We remain committed to doing our bit to help, innovating to meet the needs of landlords.”

Some 58% of landlords with properties currently rated below a C will wait until nearer 2030 to do the work, with only 18% saying they would do upgrades as soon as possible. Some 6% won’t make any changes at all even though they intend to continue renting.

Just over a third of landlords, 35%, said their properties fell below C, with half being above C.

A landlord told Landbay: “I think the EPC ratings are somewhat unrealistic for most given that the council themselves also have properties in need of upgrades.”

Via @PropertyWire