Landlords could face costs of up to £28,000 to upgrade properties to meet EPC C targets, with student landlords being particularly affected. Analysis by The Telegraph found university towns and cities have the highest concentration of inefficient rental homes, with many rated EPC D or lower.

In some student areas, such as Hyde Park (Leeds), Lenton (Nottingham), Fallowfield (Manchester), and Selly Oak (Birmingham), upgrades could cost between £9,000 and £28,700 per property. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) warns that many landlords may sell their properties rather than invest in costly improvements, exacerbating the student housing crisis.

NRLA policy director Chris Norris noted that landlords must meet the 2028 deadline for new tenancies, but with most students renting for only a year, summer void periods may not provide enough time for widespread upgrades. A lack of available tradespeople could further complicate compliance.

Mortgage broker Sean Horton highlighted that many student homes are older and larger, requiring extensive work rather than just basic insulation. With squeezed margins due to regulatory changes and high interest rates, many landlords may pass costs onto tenants or exit the market altogether.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph revealed that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who is enforcing the EPC C targets, struggled to bring his own home up to standard. A 2023 EPC assessment rated his property at D (57 points), despite potential for a C rating. After installing a heat pump, emissions dropped significantly, but the energy rating only marginally improved. Inconsistencies in his EPC assessments have raised questions about the reliability and enforcement of the system.