A Sheffield landlady is encouraging fellow landlords to enhance the energy efficiency of their properties ahead of upcoming government regulations, describing the improvements as a “win-win” for property owners.

Mahara Haque is currently retrofitting two of her rental homes in preparation for the government's forthcoming Warm Homes Plan. The scheme will require all existing rental properties to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C by 2030, an increase from the current minimum of E.

Supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), which was given funding of £2.4 million in 2024 and Ms Haque is taking early action. She explained that her motivation stems from a desire to make a positive environmental impact which was her major ‘driver’.

Ms Haque took part in the pilot programme aimed at delivering energy-saving upgrades to 200 homes across South Yorkshire.

Her rental properties were fitted with wood fibre insulation to improve heat retention, along with an air-source heat pump and solar panels to generate clean, renewable energy.

She said “We all know the impact that carbon has on our planet - that's a key driver for me.

"Also, 40% of our tenants are from vulnerable backgrounds and are struggling with the cost of energy, so if we can implement ways which can help them with their bills, it's a win-win."

Project Manager of Let Zero, Malcom Ramsay, reported that around 60% of PRS properties in the region currently fall short of the proposed EPC C rating.

He noted that many landlords remain unaware of the financial support available to them, estimating that just 20% of eligible grants are being claimed.

Ramsay emphasised that the initiative aims not only to support landlords but also to lower energy bills and enhance living conditions for tenants.

Starting in October Awaab’s Law will require social landlords such as local councils or housing associations to investigate and remedy damp and mould issues in social housing across England within specified timeframes.

They will also be mandated to address any emergency hazards within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, provisions in the Renters' Rights Bill may extend these same requirements to private landlords, potentially holding them to similar standards.

He said: "We're trying to give them the information and the tools to make the right decisions about their properties, to help them reach the new standards."