Out of the cold: Making Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards work for older private renters

Raising Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for private rented homes has the potential to be transformative for these older renters, delivering them warmer homes that cost less to heat. 

However, our research demonstrates that a tenant-centred approach is needed to ensure they do not suffer disruptive or unsuitable work, are protected from rent increases and eviction, and have the advice and guidance they need to support improvement works going ahead.

Improving energy efficiency in private rented homes is essential, but it must be part of a broader approach to raising housing standards, including enforcing the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) and introducing Awaab's Law. It is critical that the legislative frameworks for energy efficiency and housing decency operate together, to avoid the risk of complexity, inefficiency and higher costs. Connecting decency and energy efficiency policy and practice at all levels, from central government design through to local delivery, is essential to ensure improvements are timely, cost effective and minimise disruption to residents.

Taking a whole-property approach is critical, because works required to improve decency and energy efficiency often overlap. Currently poor property condition can be a barrier to energy upgrades, and energy efficiency grants often don’t cover the essential repairs needed to enable upgrades. Better funding and support to address these barriers would enhance progress towards energy targets and reduce inequality.

During works, disruption should be minimised, with phased delivery offered where this helps tenants remain in their home. In England, 71% of older tenants say they would prefer improvements to be carried out in a phased way for this reason. 

After completion, appropriate aftercare is essential to ensure that older renters have the knowledge and support they need to get the most out of upgrades, particularly when new heating systems are installed.

Guidance and advice is essential for both landlords and tenants so that they understand obligations, rights and best practice. It is vital the UK Government seizes the opportunity to boost the advice available for landlords and addresses the significant gap that exists in advice and guidance for tenants.

Older renters need particular consideration. They are likely to remain in their tenancies longer, increasing the likelihood that improvement works will need to be managed around them. Without support and advice, they may lack confidence in works going ahead, increasing the risk that they refuse improvements and undermining the objectives of MEES.

Our research shows that knowledge among older private renters is particularly low, with only 25% of older private tenants in England aware of the current EPC rating of their home, and many unfamiliar with what energy efficiency upgrades would entail or how to access support.

Landlords also need clear information about what action they are required to take, relevant deadlines and how to meet the standards with consideration to their tenants. Currently, even well-intentioned landlords face significant barriers navigating requirements and accessing support.

Tenants must be protected throughout the upgrade process. The strength of these protections will shape how tenants respond to MEES: when tenants feel secure, they are more likely to support improvements and benefit from them, leading to better outcomes for all.

Many older renters expressed anxiety about potential rent increases or eviction following upgrades. To build confidence in the policy, tenants need stronger safeguards, including protection from ‘renoviction’ and rent hikes linked to improvements, and access to effective redress when things go wrong.

Managing exemptions from MEES needs careful consideration. Tenants must retain the right to refuse works they believe are unsuitable for their circumstances. However, this needs to be paired with help and advice to ensure that tenants are not put off by lack of knowledge or support, or as a result of landlord pressure.

Successful implementation of new MEES requirements will also depend on robust enforcement. Landlords must be held to account if they fail to deliver required improvements or attempt to circumvent tenant protections.