The Role of Smart Heating Controls in the Social and Private Rented Sectors

Fuel poverty across the UK is on the rise, and the problem is not helped by the UK’s ageing and inefficient building stock. According to the Government’s official fuel poverty statistics, fuel poverty is particularly high in the rental sector. In both private rented homes, and within social housing, 22% and 13% of households are classed as fuel poor respectively¹.
 

The Government is currently focusing on strengthening Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), the regulatory framework which mandates certain efficiency levels in rented accommodation. Among a plethora of subsidy schemes and grant programmes, MEES provides a much-needed focus on ensuring tenants and those most in need have access to warm, comfortable, decarbonised and more affordable homes.

Context surrounding MEES

The social and private rented sector account for a sizeable chunk of the UK’s housing stock. In the latest census data, it was found that the proportion of owner-occupied homes has decreased, while the proportion of people renting their accommodation either privately or through the social rented sector has increased from 8 million in 2011, to 9.2 million in 2021².

Currently, regulations under the MEES legally require private landlords to possess an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of ‘E’ or above on a property before it is let out to tenants, unless they have a valid exception. 

The Government is now consulting on their plans to strengthen these standards, and extend these to the social rented sector too, requiring local authorities and housing associations to improve the energy efficiency of their properties too. The main changes being proposed by the Government are:

• Raising the minimum EPC rating required of private rented properties to ‘C’ by 2030, while implementing this same standard for social rented properties.
   
• To set these standards against the new EPC metrics planned to be introduced in 2026. These aim to assess homes both on their fabric performance and the performance of their heating systems and smart readiness.
   
• Requiring private landlords to make an initial investment up to a maximum of £15,000 per property on energy efficiency improvements (£10,000 for social landlords).
   
• Staggering the rollout of these standards by applying them to all new tenancies from 2028 and all other tenancies by 2030.
   
• Implementing certain regulatory measures that will drive the installation of smart meters.

What does this mean for smart heating controls?

We are delighted to hear that the Government is looking at ways to ensure all tenants have access to a warm, comfortable, and efficient home. It is crucial that the strengthening of efficiency standards for homes and buildings is implemented in parallel with EPC reform, to ensure that energy efficiency measures, such as smart heating technologies, are fully recognised within the home’s overall performance.

Drayton is a firm believer that tenants, regardless of their heating system, can reap huge benefits from smart heating, and see real impact on their energy use, utility bills and overall comfort within their homes. 

As these new standards are implemented, landlords and housing providers using Wiser controls within their homes have the opportunity to provide long term savings on their tenants’ energy bills, even in homes fitted with a gas boiler. The technology is simple and efficient, enabling tenants to tailor their energy use room by room, gain greater control over their heating system, and overall create a much more comfortable environment throughout the year. 

Smart heating controls have a big role to play in reducing carbon emissions and increasing the efficiency of homes in the rental market. They present a way for private landlords and social housing providers to make significant improvements to their portfolio with minimal costs. 

Alongside their primary benefits, Wiser’s products can also provide both tenants and landlords with an in-depth Insights and Heat Report dashboard, equipping occupants and homeowners with a greater understanding about their heating system and what can be done to maximise savings. These features will be crucial in the run up to 2030, helping landlords to make more informed decisions on the most effective investments needed to ensure their homes are efficient, warm, and comfortable for their tenants.

Calling all installers

Smarter and more efficient homes will be a priority for both private and social landlords in the run up to 2030, with a focus on creating more efficient and cost-effective living spaces for tenants without breaking the bank.

As a result, smart heating controls will have a huge role to play in achieving this goal, and we need installers to help meet the demand. Join our Drayton Rewards+ scheme to get ahead of the curve and start growing your business. Our growing installer network has the opportunity to shape the future of the industry, while providing your business with the opportunity to grow your customer base ready for the future of home heating.

¹ Fuel poverty detailed tables 2025 (2023 data) - GOV.UK
² Housing, England and Wales - Office for National Statistics