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Written question asked by Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Martin McCluskey (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Energy Performance Certificates: Private Rented Housing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to protect vulnerable tenants living in residential dwellings legally classified as commercial lets, where the commercial classification of the tenancy exempts landlords from mandatory upgrades of EPC ratings by October 2030.

Answer

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) apply to domestic privately rented properties let on assured, regulated, or domestic agricultural tenancies, or standard tenancy in Wales, where an EPC is required. MEES also apply non-domestic properties that are required to have an EPC and are let under a tenancy.

Government is strengthening wider protections for tenants through the Decent Homes Standard including supported housing and temporary homelessness accommodation.

The Warm Homes Plan includes universal grants of up to £9,000 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Government has also taken action to reduce energy bills by removing VAT and other policy costs from electricity bills.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
22111
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Business premises Private rented housing Energy performance certificates
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk