The government has officially extended the deadline for landlords to tighten energy requirements in the privately rented sector by two years to 2030.

As of 2030, all private landlords will be required to meet a higher standard of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C or equivalent in their properties – up from the current level of EPC E.

The plan to improve energy efficiency has been in the pipeline for years, with a pledge to force all landlords to meet EPC C by 2028 scrapped in 2023 by Sunak’s Conservative Government. Labour reintroduced the pledge – albeit with a later deadline – last year.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the plans will “raise the efficiency of homes to cut the cost of bills”.

The government has estimated the plans will save renters £240 annually on energy bills.

Charles Wood, Deputy Director at Energy UK, said the recommitment from the Government on improving energy efficiency standards was “welcome”.

“The most affordable energy is the energy we don’t use – yet too many households still lose money and warmth due to inefficient homes,” Wood added. “Boosting energy efficiency is the most effective way to lower energy bills and system costs.”