But private landlords face an even bigger bill, as the data showed that nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of private rentals do not live up to the standards.
“Despite almost half of all social housing being below the proposed compliance levels, we’re hugely encouraged that social housing (whether local authorities or housing associations) has a 21 percentage point lead on private rental stock in terms of having a higher percentage EPC of C and above,” said Jonny Britton, co-founder of LandTech.
“The concern for the future is that cash-strapped local authorities still have much to do to reach the minimum standards, with costs likely to run into the millions in order to upgrade social rented housing stock.
“New builds, however, are the clear winner in that developers have taken active control of the issue, and many are in fact turning the debate to how to keep new properties cool amidst our extended summers due to climate change.”
He added: “Although a cost burden to landlords, our hope is that the rush to insulate and improve below C-rated properties leads to a mini boom to the trades specializing in these areas, and the reduction of energy bills for tenants.
“The biggest winner is of course the environment, so it’s within everyone’s interest to get behind the cause immediately.”
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