An agents' association has expressed approval of the UK government's Warm Homes Plan  which aims to help homeowners reduce energy bills and provide warmer, more energy-efficient homes. However, the association cautions that the plan does not adequately address the needs of the private rented sector.

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The Warm Homes Plan offers grants for heat pumps, support for renters and low-income households, and removes the requirement for planning permission to install a heat pump in England.

In his letter to the agents' association, Ed Milliband the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, confirmed that landlords must achieve an EPC rating of C by 2030 as part of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

However, financial support for the private rented sector is restricted by specific qualifying criteria, with eligibility limited to certain local authorities. To qualify, the tenant must either be receiving a means-tested benefit or have a household gross annual income of less than £36,000.

If a landlord has a qualifying property, they can receive full funding for the first property of up to a maximum of £15,000 and for any additional properties landlords must contribute 50% of the funding.

Upon grants being approved the landlords or their agents must sign a declaration stating they will not increase the rent as a result of receiving the funding.

The association has consistently advocated for simplifying funding criteria to ensure that all private rented sector (PRS) tenancies have increased eligibility, aiming to create a fairer comparison with other types of housing.

Following the introduction of the Warm Homes Plan, which prompted the UK government to consult on proposals requiring landlords to achieve EPC C ratings by 2030 the association contacted Ed Miliband. which sought clarification on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) exemptions.

It also required specific information on cost caps and requirements for listed buildings and properties in conservation areas.

The trade body has also urgently requested further clarification on the standards for non-domestic commercial properties which the previous Conservative government had mandated should achieve an EPC rating of B by 2030.

However, in his response to the association, Ed Miliband indicated that the UK government is still evaluating the appropriateness of this policy.

A spokesman for the trade association,said: “The grant funding support for owner occupiers as part of the new Warm Homes Plan is welcome as is the commitment to reduce the burden on requirements for heat pump planning permission.

“While we are pleased to see limited support is on offer to decarbonise private rented properties, similar restrictions proved to limit take up from previous schemes.

“The UK Government must level the playing field and offer parity for private landlords.