Government plans to introduce a minimum EPC of C for rented homes are “financially unviable” for most landlords, the National Residential Landlords’ Association has warned.

Landlords will be expected to spend up to £15,000 per property to meet the new minimum energy efficiency standards.

However, the NRLA’s analysis of research by consultancy Pegasus found that the maximum most landlords can afford is around half that figure at £7,700.

The news comes after the Autumn Budget cut total funding for energy efficiency schemes by a quarter over the current parliamentary term, according to think tank E3G.

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle says: “We want all rental properties to be as energy efficient as possible.

“However, this isn’t going to happen without a serious plan to support the investments needed.

“Relying on the misguided belief that every landlord has limitless reserves to fall back on is not only wrong but will not get tenants any closer to seeing their homes made energy efficient.

“If the government is serious about its plans, it needs to engage with the sector now to develop a clear, bespoke package to help responsible landlords invest in energy efficiency works.

“That needs to start by fixing a broken tax system which does nothing to encourage proactive property improvements.”