> the cost of energy is borne by the tenant, but the cost of renovations would be borne by the landlord

In addition, as house prices are so high, owner-occupiers often don't have the means to make these improvements until they have been in the house for five or more years.

Landlords get to claim the cost of improvements as a business expense and can save an enormous amount of tax on making those improvements.

Owner-occupiers have to pay out of their net income. So if it costs me 10k, it only costs a landlord 6k. But they still don't do it.

Forcing rented accommodation to have EPC E or better is a really low bar. I think it should be compulsory for landlords to carry out all EPC recommendations to a certain value within a sensible period.