Landlords face £30,000 fines under Labour crackdown on rental homes failing to meet net zero targets

The Energy Independence Bill would allow councils in England and Wales to fine landlords up to £30,000 if rental homes fail to meet a minimum energy-efficiency standard by October 2030. The proposed maximum is six times the current £5,000 cap, and the Government says the higher standard is intended to give renters warmer homes and lower bills.

Privately rented homes will need an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C or a registered exemption to be let after the deadline. The Bill would extend the rules to single-room lets in houses in multiple occupation, give councils stronger inspection and enforcement powers, and stop agents and property portals advertising non-compliant homes. The Government estimates upgrades will cost an average of £5,400 per property, while more than two million homes still need improvement; landlord groups warn costs and penalties could prompt some owners to sell.