Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Solutions. Read the original article for full details.

HMO Landlords Lead UK Housing for Energy Efficiency, Survey Finds

More than 60% of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the UK have achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating between A and C, according to a survey by Paragon Bank. This figure places HMOs ahead of the wider UK housing stock, where around half of homes currently meet this standard, based on government data.

The Paragon Bank survey found that none of the HMOs surveyed had an EPC rating in the lowest F or G bands. This progress comes as landlords prepare for proposed changes to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which are expected to require all rental properties to reach EPC band C by 2030.

The survey also reported that more than a quarter of landlords (28%) have already brought forward energy-efficiency improvements in response to these proposals. Additionally, over four in ten landlords said they are absorbing increased energy bills rather than passing these costs on to tenants through higher rents.

These findings are relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as they highlight the sector’s progress in energy efficiency and the ongoing preparations for future regulatory changes. The data also suggests a trend among landlords to support tenants with rising household costs, which may impact rental agreements and property management practices.