What Are the EPC Requirements for Landlords?
Every rental property in England and Wales must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before it can be marketed or let. The EPC rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), introduced by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) Regulations 2015, landlords cannot let a property with an EPC rating below E. This applies to new tenancies since 1 April 2018 and to all existing tenancies since 1 April 2020.
A valid EPC is also a prerequisite for serving a valid Section 21 notice — without one, your notice can be challenged and may be ruled invalid by the courts.
EPC C for Landlords: What's Changing?
The government has proposed raising the minimum EPC rating for rental properties from E to C. The proposed timeline is:
- • 2028 (proposed) — EPC C required for new tenancies
- • 2030 (proposed) — EPC C required for all existing tenancies
These dates have not been confirmed by secondary legislation. The previous government scrapped a similar proposal in September 2023, and the current government has signalled it will be reinstated as part of its net-zero strategy. Until legislation is published, the exact requirements and deadlines may change.
Despite the uncertainty, most landlord organisations — including the NRLA and Landlord Studio — recommend starting improvements now. Contractors and energy assessors will be in high demand as any confirmed deadline approaches, and early action typically means lower costs.
Current EPC Rules: What You Need Right Now
Minimum rating: E
All private rented properties must have an EPC of at least E. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let unless an exemption is registered.
Must be provided before letting
The EPC must be available to prospective tenants and provided to the tenant before the tenancy begins. It must be included in property advertisements.
Valid for 10 years
EPCs do not need to be renewed unless they expire. Check your EPC status and expiry date for free at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.
EPC Grants for Landlords
Several government schemes can help reduce the cost of EPC improvements. Eligibility depends on the property and sometimes the tenant's circumstances.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
£7,500 towards an air source heat pump or £5,000 towards a ground source heat pump. Must replace a fossil fuel heating system. Available until March 2028. Check eligibility →
Great British Insulation Scheme
Free or subsidised insulation for properties in Council Tax bands A–D with EPC ratings D–G. Many landlord properties qualify. Check eligibility →
ECO4 Scheme
Free insulation and heating upgrades for low-income households in EPC D–G properties. Delivered through energy suppliers — your tenant can apply directly. Learn more →
How to Improve Your EPC Rating
The most effective improvements depend on your property, but these are the most common measures and their typical costs:
| Improvement | Typical cost | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cavity wall insulation | £450 – £1,500 | 1–2 band improvement |
| Loft insulation top-up (to 270mm) | £300 – £600 | 1–5 EPC points |
| Condensing boiler replacement | £2,500 – £4,000 | 5–15 EPC points |
| Solid wall insulation | £4,000 – £22,000 | 2–3 band improvement |
| Double glazing | £3,000 – £7,000 | Moderate improvement |
| LED lighting | £100 – £300 | Small but easy |
| Draught-proofing | £100 – £350 | Low cost, good comfort |
Costs vary by property size, region, and specification. Always get at least 3 quotes from TrustMark-registered contractors, especially for grant-funded work.
EPC Exemptions for Landlords
If your property cannot reach the minimum rating despite reasonable efforts, you may be able to register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register. Exemptions last 5 years and must be renewed.
- • Cost cap — If all recommended improvements cost more than £3,500 (inc. VAT), register after making improvements up to that cap
- • Devaluation — If an independent surveyor confirms improvements would reduce the property value
- • Wall insulation — If a qualified installer confirms insulation would damage the property
- • Third-party consent — If a freeholder or planning authority refuses permission for the improvements
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Local authorities enforce MEES regulations. Penalties for letting a property below the minimum EPC rating without a registered exemption are:
- • Up to £2,000 for a breach lasting less than 3 months
- • Up to £1,000 for a breach lasting 3 months or more
- • Up to £2,000 for providing false or misleading information on the exemption register
- • Maximum total penalty: £5,000 per property
Additionally, failing to have a valid EPC invalidates a Section 21 notice, and you can be fined up to £200 for marketing a property without an EPC.
EPC and the Renters Rights Act 2025
The Renters Rights Act 2025 abolishes Section 21 from 1 May 2026, but EPC requirements remain. Under the new rules, the Decent Homes Standard (expected in Phase 2, late 2026) will likely include energy efficiency requirements that build on MEES.
Landlords who have already improved their EPC ratings will be better positioned for whatever the new standards require. The direction of travel is clear: higher energy efficiency requirements are coming, regardless of the exact timeline.
This guide provides general information about EPC requirements for landlords in England and Wales. It is not legal or financial advice. EPC improvement costs are indicative ranges based on industry data — always get specific quotes for your property. Grant schemes have eligibility criteria that may change — check current availability before planning work. The proposed EPC C deadline has not been confirmed by legislation as of March 2026. For specific legal questions, consult a solicitor. Last updated: March 2026.