Date Published 06 March 2026
The government is facing renewed calls to ensure upcoming energy efficiency requirements for the private rented sector (PRS) are robust enough to support older tenants. Independent Age, a charity supporting older people on low incomes, has published a set of recommendations urging ministers to ensure that new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are implemented using what it describes as a 'tenant-centred approach'.
Under the UK government's Warm Homes Plan, the minimum energy performance requirement for privately rented homes in England and Wales is expected to rise from an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E to C. This change would require a significant proportion of PRS properties to undergo energy efficiency improvements. While the charity recognises the potential for higher standards to improve living conditions and reduce energy bills for older renters, it has also warned that poorly managed upgrades could have unintended consequences. These could include disruption from works, rent increases, higher overall housing costs, or, in some cases, eviction.
Research cited by Independent Age highlights the concerns many older tenants have about potential improvements to their homes. According to the charity, 63% of older renters say they would worry about a rent increase if their landlord carried out energy efficiency upgrades, while 35% would be concerned about the risk of eviction. Awareness of property energy ratings also appears limited. The research found that only one in four (25%) tenants know the EPC rating of their home, while almost half (47%) say they would not feel confident reporting housing condition issues to their local authority.
To address these concerns, Independent Age has outlined several recommendations.
• Aligning housing standards: The charity is calling on government to ensure the Decent Homes Standard and MEES are aligned in both objectives and implementation timelines. It also recommends that targeted grants should be available to address poor housing conditions where these act as a barrier to energy efficiency improvements.
• A tenant-centred upgrade process: Independent Age suggests that property assessments should consider solutions suitable for older occupants. It also recommends that landlords and contractors engage with tenants when planning works, agreeing on schedules and making allowances so older renters can remain in their homes wherever possible.
• Improved guidance and advice: Alongside the proposed Warm Homes Agency, the charity believes more local advice and support services will be needed. It is also calling for clearer MEES guidance for both landlords and tenants.
• Stronger protections and enforcement: The charity argues that tenants receiving homes upgraded with public funding should be protected from excessive rent increases or eviction, suggesting these protections could be attached to grants or loans used for energy efficiency works. It also says local authorities and the PRS Ombudsman should be adequately resourced to enforce standards.
With consultation and further policy detail on MEES expected, landlords are being encouraged to review the energy performance of their portfolios and consider potential upgrade requirements ahead of any new regulations coming into force.
