Timeline to net-zero: The four main deadlines every landlord needs to know
Mark McAuley of NRLA partner Your Repair explains more about energy efficiency targets, and four important deadlines private landlords need to be aware of.
In 2019, heating UK homes contributed to 17% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. To meet emission reduction targets, the Government aims to phase out gas boilers and bring online new net-zero alternatives.
However, the last few months have seen announcements that suggest the Government is reducing that urgency and changing the timeline. As a landlord, you need to know where you stand, and what actions you need to take.
Based on the latest announcements and legislation this article sets out to make it clear what you need to do and when, so you can make the best decisions for your property portfolio today.
2025: No new boilers in new builds
Perhaps the most urgent change that could impact a landlord is changes to the law regarding boiler installation in a newly built property. In November 2020, the Government unveiled a 'Green Industrial Revolution,' bringing forward the ban on installing gas boilers in new-build homes. Originally slated for 2025 the new date proposed was 2023. After pressure from the industry, the Government dropped the plans and the target remains 2025. If you are a landlord involved in the building of new homes this is the first deadline you need to be mindful of.
2028: Establishing alternatives
The Government has set a target to deliver and install 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028. Hitting this goal is essential if the Government is going to successfully meet their later commitments. The BBC reported back in June 2023 that the UK's climate watchdog described the Government as ‘significantly off track’, suggesting that more incentives will have to come online to make up for lost time.
Currently, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers households a £7,500 grant to switch from boilers to heat pumps. This figure has increased from £5,000 after a slow public response to the scheme. The £7500 grants are available to homeowners as well as buy-to-let landlords.
2035: No new boilers
Despite headline-grabbing announcements, the plan is still to end the installation of boilers after 2035. The Government has clarified that no one will be forced to remove a working boiler and replace it with a heat pump. Any working boilers will be allowed to reach the end of their working life. This has led to speculation that there could be a rush on new boiler installations in 2034 to try and outmanoeuvre the incoming legislation.
As we approach the 2035 deadline, the wider home heating industry and the Government will align to make the transition easier and more affordable. The most cost-effective time to switch might be earlier, with costs rising for those who have delayed action.
2050: Net zero target
This is the end goal - the point at which the UK is supposed to achieve net zero status. To achieve this goal, a litany of smaller goals will need to be met. Incentives will likely come and go and the wider home heating industry will shift to accommodate the essential changes. At some point, those who choose to delay will find the cost of gas rising and the cost of upgrading no longer being subsidised.
Now is the time to start making your net zero plan
For more information about transitioning your properties to net-zero speak to the experts at YourRepair. Established boiler and home cover providers, they have installation and financing partners to help you switch when you’re ready.
If you’re not already a YourRepair customer, we have specialist landlord & homeowner plans to suit every need and budget. Browse our fantastic care packages.