Independent Age has called on the UK Government to adopt a “tenant-centred approach” as it raises Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the private rented sector.
The charity’s new report, Out of the cold, urges ministers to ensure older private renters benefit from planned reforms under the Warm Home Plan, which will raise the minimum energy performance certificate (EPC) requirement from E to C in England and Wales.
While the changes could improve living conditions in some of the coldest homes, Independent Age warns they also carry risks.
Its research found 63% of older tenants would worry about rent increases if their landlord carried out energy efficiency works, while 35% fear eviction.
Only 25% know their home’s EPC rating and 47% would lack confidence reporting housing issues to their local authority.
Chief Executive Joanna Elson said older renters often live in poorly insulated homes and are more likely to face poverty, making affordable warmth essential.
The charity is calling for MEES and the Decent Homes Standard to be aligned, with targeted grants to address poor housing conditions before upgrades.
It also wants stronger tenant protections, including safeguards against excessive rent rises or eviction following improvements.
Independent Age recommends clearer government guidance for tenants, better enforcement resources for local authorities and the creation of an energy social tariff to ensure net zero policies reduce fuel poverty rather than deepen it.
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