The proposed date for all landlords to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C could be pushed back once again, Michael Gove has hinted.

In an article for the Sunday Telegraph, the Housing Secretary said that the Government was asking “too much too quickly” and stated that it should “relax the pace” of reforms expected from landlords.

Currently, the target is set at all rented properties achieving a minimum EPC rating of C by 2028.

The potential delay comes as Landbay’s quarterly survey found that almost two thirds (65%) of landlords have properties in their portfolio with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.

The survey went on to find that just over a third (34%) plan to make improvements to reach a C rating as soon as possible, with 39% sharing the same intention, but planned on waiting until nearer the Government’s current proposed deadline of 2028.

A previous survey conducted by Landbay in summer 2022 found that less than a third (27%) of landlords had planned more immediate action to increase their EPC rating.

Awareness of the proposals has remained consistent, with over three-quarters (78%) of landlords aware of the plans in the latest survey, falling slightly from 79% in August 2022. Since that survey, the proposal has changed to bring the deadline from 2025 for new tenancies in line with 2028.

However, the scheme remains a contentious issue, with some landlords set to spends thousands of pounds to bring properties up to standard, on top of rising costs in the current climate. Government analysis has suggested that for the majority of private rented homes, energy efficiency improvements will cost between £5,000 and £9,999.

Managing director for intermediaries at Landbay, Paul Brett, said: “The Government’s proposal remains just that – a proposal, and the can has been kicked down the road a couple of times already with the change to 2028 being the latest. If Gove’s comments are anything to go by, we could yet see further movement to the timeline.

“In spite of this, it’s very encouraging to see the majority of landlords with lower rated properties planning to make improvements, especially the strong proportion pledging to as soon as they can. If Gove does get his way, it will be interesting to see how these results change – if at all.”

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