Table of contents
Key points
- Privately rented homes in England and Wales must currently have an EPC rating of E or above, unless a valid exemption is registered.
- The government has confirmed a new target of EPC C for all private tenancies by 1 October 2030, using new-style EPCs. The changes still need Parliamentary approval.
- Landlords will have to spend up to £10,000 per property on improvements, and spending on measures installed since 1 October 2025 can count.
- Councils will be able to issue penalties of up to £30,000 per breach under the new rules.
EPC rules for rental properties now
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), you can’t let a privately rented home in England or Wales with an EPC rating of F or G, unless you have registered a valid exemption. The current rules for landlords are:
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Minimum rating | EPC E or above for all private tenancies |
| Before marketing | You need a valid EPC before you advertise the property |
| Tenants | Give new tenants a copy of the EPC free of charge |
| Validity | An EPC lasts 10 years, unless you replace it sooner |
| Exemptions | Must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register |
You can check a property’s current rating on the GOV.UK EPC register. For the basics, see our guide to what an EPC certificate is.
EPC C by 2030: what’s changing
In January 2026 the government published its response on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes. The key decisions are:
| Change | Decision |
|---|---|
| New target | EPC C for all private tenancies, using new EPCs |
| Deadline | 1 October 2030 for all tenancies |
| Cost cap | Up to £10,000 per property over a 10-year period |
| Spending that counts | Relevant improvements installed since 1 October 2025 |
| Lower-value homes | For properties worth under £100,000, the cap is 10% of the property’s value |
| Penalty | Up to £30,000 per breach for each non-compliant property |
The new standard will be measured using new-style EPCs. Landlords must meet a primary standard based on the home’s fabric performance (such as insulation), plus a secondary standard based on either its heating system or smart readiness. The changes are still subject to Parliamentary approval.
Is my C-rated property already compliant?
Yes, for a while. Properties rated C or above on the current EPC before 1 October 2029 will be treated as compliant until that EPC expires.
Not sure what your property is rated?
Get an up-to-date EPC with a clear list of recommended improvements. Domestic EPCs in London from £75.
Exemptions under the new rules
The government response lists these future exemptions:
- high cost
- all relevant improvements already made
- cost cap reached
- property value adjustment (homes worth under £100,000)
- solid wall insulation
- negative impacts on the property
- third-party consent refused
- new landlord (6 months)
Most exemptions will last 5 years. The cost cap, property value adjustment and negative impacts exemptions will last 10 years.
What landlords should do now
- Check your current rating on the EPC register, and note when each certificate expires.
- Get a fresh EPC if yours is old or the property has had work done. It lists the improvements that would raise the rating and their typical costs.
- Plan improvements early. Spending since 1 October 2025 counts towards the £10,000 cap, and installers will be busy closer to 2030.
- Start with the cheapest wins, such as loft insulation, LED lighting, heating controls and draught-proofing.
- Keep receipts and records of all energy efficiency work.
See our guide to EPC costs in 2026 for prices.
How to improve your EPC rating
- loft, cavity wall or floor insulation
- double or secondary glazing
- a modern A-rated boiler or heat pump
- heating controls such as a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves
- a hot water cylinder jacket and insulated pipes
- LED lighting throughout
- solar panels
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum EPC rating for a rental property?
Currently E. Under the government’s confirmed plans, all private tenancies will need EPC C by 1 October 2030, subject to Parliamentary approval.
Can I rent a property with an EPC rating of F or G?
Not unless you have registered a valid exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register.
How much will landlords have to spend to reach EPC C?
Up to £10,000 per property over a 10-year period, or 10% of the property’s value for homes worth under £100,000. Improvements installed since 1 October 2025 count.
What is the fine for not meeting EPC rules?
Under the new rules, councils will be able to issue penalties of up to £30,000 per breach for each non-compliant property.
How long does an EPC last for a rental property?
10 years. If your property is rated C or above on the current EPC before 1 October 2029, it will be treated as compliant until that EPC expires.
Book your EPC with Landlord Sure
Domestic EPCs from £75 across London, carried out by accredited energy assessors and lodged on the official register. Add a gas safety certificate or EICR to the same visit.
Sources: GOV.UK – Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: government response (January 2026); GOV.UK – Find an energy certificate.
