New EPC standards for the rental sector are “unlikely to succeed” unless the government addresses a shortage of qualified assessors, the National Residential Landlords Association has warned. In its response to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consultation on the Home Energy Model, the NRLA highlighted how proposed changes would require extensive retraining of EPC assessors – creating a potential bottleneck just as demand for assessments surges ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Training bottleneck threatens EPC reform
The DESNZ consultation sought views on new metrics for EPCs, including fabric performance, heating system efficiency, and smart technology readiness. These metrics will underpin the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards regime that requires all private rental properties in England and Wales to achieve an EPC C rating by 1 October 2030.
The NRLA warned that the “relatively short timeframe” for implementing the new standards could create serious capacity problems. “Increased training requirements could create a bottleneck if assessors must undertake retraining while demand for assessments is rising,” the association stated. “This could lead to a scenario where there is a shortage of available assessors to meet the increased demand for assessments.”
The consultation closed on 18 March 2026, with the government expected to publish a final response by summer. This follows Landlord Knowledge’s report that EPC reform has been delayed to late 2027, adding to landlord uncertainty about when to invest in property upgrades.
NRLA calls for proactive assessor training
The association urged ministers to front-load support for assessor training rather than waiting for the new regime to take effect. “It would be practically advantageous for the Government to support the training of assessors before the new standards come into place,” the NRLA stated. “This would act to mitigate the stress that could be placed on supply chains.”
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “We recognise how crucial it is for the private rented sector to boost its energy efficiency. But the Government needs to be pragmatic when choosing the steps it wants to take to make this happen.”
Beadle added: “If it doesn’t address the ‘retrofitting skills gap’ – the shortfall in those retrofitting professionals qualified to uphold EPC benchmarks – its changes to energy efficiency benchmarks are unlikely to succeed.”
The warning comes as landlords face an estimated £20 billion collective bill to bring properties up to EPC C standard. With fewer than five years until the deadline and continued uncertainty about how new metrics will affect compliance, the skills shortage adds another layer of risk for landlords planning retrofits.
What this means for landlords
- If you’re planning EPC upgrades: Consider booking assessments early – capacity constraints may worsen as 2030 approaches and the new EPC regime launches in late 2027.
- Watch for: The government’s final response to the EPC consultation, expected by summer 2026, which will confirm the implementation timeline and technical details.
- Bottom line: Even if you invest in upgrades now, you may need a fresh assessment under the new Home Energy Model rules – factor potential reassessment costs into your planning.
Editor’s view
The NRLA raises a legitimate concern. Setting ambitious standards is one thing – having the workforce to verify compliance is another. With councils already struggling to enforce existing rules and the 2030 deadline looming, a skills shortage among EPC assessors could turn the minimum C requirement into a compliance lottery.
Author: Editorial Team – UK landlord & buy-to-let news, policy, and finance
Published: 30 March 2026
Sources: NRLA, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
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