What assessment has been made of the impact on private tenants in Wales of the UK Government's decision to lower the landlord cost cap and introduce low property value exemptions as part of the plans to raise the minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector?
We welcome the UK Government’s intent to create better quality, healthier homes for private tenants. Our response to the UK Government’s consultation on the changes indicated that lowering the landlord cost cap and expanding low value exemptions risks reducing energy efficiency upgrades, and could leave some tenants in colder, less efficient homes. However, we also recognised the risk that current rental values are relatively modest and, consequently, there is little opportunity to cover additional costs from existing rents.
With around 110,000 private rented properties below EPC C in Wales, this is a significant issue. We are engaging with UK Government constructively to secure the best outcome for Wales. Our Warm Homes Nest scheme is available to low income private renters living in cold, damp homes.