Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes is crucial for the UK’s Net Zero transition and for raising living standards, yet this sector lags due to low awareness, complex tenant–landlord dynamics, cost concerns, and skills shortages. The Catapult recommends targeted government action on clear landlord requirements, locally coordinated retrofit support, tailored financing solutions and enhanced compliance monitoring.

Key findings:

• Align EPC metrics with desired outcomes and adopt outcome‑based minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) to drive investment in cost‑effective, low‑carbon retrofits and encourage innovation.
• Establish place‑based one‑stop shops across the UK to streamline access to high‑quality retrofit services and foster local supply chains.
• Provide a diverse mix of retrofit financing options designed to suit different landlord profiles and financial circumstances.
• Integrate a digital building passport with the new private rental database to improve data‑driven monitoring, simplify enforcement and reduce local authority burdens.