Older renters must be allowed to refuse energy efficiency works while landlords should only receive grants on the condition they don’t excessively increase rents or force evictions, a charity has warned.

Independent Age, a charity supporting older people on a low income, says while plans to raise the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the PRS benefit older renters’ lives, they risk facing disruptive works that could leave them worse off, potentially facing higher bills, rent hikes or even eviction.

Its report says tenants must retain the right to refuse works they believe are unsuitable for their circumstances. However, this needs to be paired with help and advice to ensure that tenants are not put off by lack of knowledge or support, or as a result of landlord pressure.

Private

Private landlords have been told that all rental properties must reach an EPC C by 2030.

Where bigger works are needed to improve a property, this may involve tenants needing to move out of their home entirely. However, almost half (48%) of older tenants in England would be put off having the work done if it meant they needed to move out. For 74% of them, this is because they don’t have an alternative home to go to. The charity suggests that if a landlord receives a government grant, part of it could be used to cover the relocation costs.

Believes

Independent Age believes landlords should be prevented from using grant-funded energy efficiency improvements to justify raising rents and tribunals should consider the market rent of a property before grant-funded improvements.

It also wants the government to issue clear guidance on the specific circumstances in which a lack of tenant consent constitutes a valid exemption, ensuring older renters are protected from both unreasonable disruption to their lives and landlord pressure.

Chief executive Joanna Elson says older private renters often live in the oldest, coldest homes, and coupled with this, are a group more likely to be in poverty. She adds: “While we are pleased to see the government’s focus on supporting low-income households, working with older tenants and landlords is vital to the success of this policy. Improvement works must consider the impact on people, as well as the properties.”

‍