What is the proposed EPC C requirement for landlords and when does it come in?

Full answer

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings run from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Since April 2020, private landlords in England have been required to let only properties with a minimum EPC E rating (the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, or MEES). The proposed tightening to a minimum C rating has been one of the most discussed regulatory changes for the private rented sector over the past several years. CURRENT POSITION (as at June 2026): The minimum EPC E requirement remains in force for privately rented homes in England. There is no legally confirmed date by which landlords must achieve EPC C. The previous Conservative government proposed a 2025 deadline for new tenancies and 2028 for all tenancies, then dropped those plans in 2023. The Labour government elected in July 2024 announced revised plans in its manifesto and subsequent policy statements, targeting EPC C for new tenancies by 2028 and all tenancies by 2030. As of mid-2026, this policy intention has not yet been enacted in law. Always verify the current legal position at gov.uk/energy-performance-certificates before committing to major expenditure. PROPOSED COST CAP: The government has indicated a GBP 10,000 per-property cost cap for achieving EPC C -- meaning if all recommended improvements cost more than GBP 10,000 and the property still does not reach C, landlords would be exempt from the requirement (but must register a valid exemption and carry out improvements up to the cap). Some local authority schemes and the ECO4 programme can contribute funding toward the cap. CURRENT MEES EXEMPTIONS (for EPC E requirement): A landlord can currently register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register if: all relevant improvements have been made and the property still does not reach E; the cost of improvements exceeds GBP 3,500 and E is still not achieved; the property is listed or in a conservation area where consent for works cannot be obtained; a sitting tenant refuses consent to works; or a third party (e.g. head landlord) refuses necessary permissions. Exemptions last 5 years. PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE (current E standard): Breaches of up to 3 months: up to GBP 5,000. Breaches over 3 months: up to GBP 5,000 (with higher penalties in some scenarios). Local authorities are responsible for enforcement and have powers to serve compliance notices and impose fines. IMPROVEMENTS TO RAISE EPC RATING TO C: Common measures include: loft insulation (often the cheapest and highest-impact); cavity wall insulation; solid wall insulation (internal or external -- typically more expensive); double or triple glazing; replacing gas boiler with an air source heat pump; solar photovoltaic panels; LED lighting; heating controls upgrades. An EPC assessor can provide a schedule of recommended improvements and their estimated impact on the rating. FUNDING AVAILABLE: The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) scheme requires major energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in low-income and fuel-poor homes. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) provides additional support for insulation. Check eligibility at gov.uk and through your energy supplier. Some local authorities also offer landlord improvement grants. SCOTLAND: Scotland has its own framework -- the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH2) for the social sector and separate private rented sector standards. Scotland set a target that all PRS properties should have an EPC C or above by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing tenancies, though implementation has also faced delays. Check Energy Saving Trust Scotland for current requirements. WALES: Wales follows similar MEES rules to England for the current E minimum. The Welsh Government has indicated an intent to move toward C for the private rented sector but has not set a firm statutory deadline as of mid-2026. ADVICE FOR LANDLORDS: Get an updated EPC if your current certificate is approaching its 10-year expiry or was issued before major improvements were made. Prioritise low-cost high-impact improvements (loft insulation, draught-proofing, heating controls) even now to stay ahead of likely regulatory tightening. Larger investments such as heat pumps should be assessed carefully for cost-effectiveness given current government grant levels and energy price projections.

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