EPC rules for landlords: What are the current standards and future changes?

Energy efficiency remains an important part of letting a property which is why understanding your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the current minimum standards and the proposed rules for 2030 can help you plan ahead and avoid compliance issues. 

What is an EPC?

An EPC provides a property with an energy-efficiency rating between A and G. Band A represents the highest level of efficiency, while Band G is the lowest. Certificates usually remain valid for 10 years, unless a newer EPC is issued during that time.

Where there is no valid certificate, an EPC will generally need to be arranged before a property is advertised for sale or rent. It must be shown to prospective purchasers or tenants as soon as possible and supplied free of charge to the person who proceeds with the purchase or tenancy.

For more information, see the government’s guide to Energy Performance Certificates.

Alongside the rating, an EPC contains recommendations intended to improve the property’s energy performance. These could include better insulation, improved heating, draught-proofing, energy-efficient lighting, upgraded glazing or renewable-energy systems.

Current minimum standards for rented homes

The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) guidance applies to relevant private rented homes in England and Wales. In general, this covers properties that require an EPC and are let under certain types of tenancy.

Since 1 April 2020, landlords have generally been unable to let or continue letting a covered property with an EPC rating below Band E, unless a valid exemption has been registered.

This means that a property rated F or G will normally need to be improved to at least Band E, or have an appropriate exemption registered, before a new tenancy begins. Where an existing tenancy is already in place, the landlord must take the necessary steps to improve the property or register a valid exemption.

There is no requirement to carry out improvements while a property is empty. The obligation generally arises when the landlord intends to let it again.

Penalties depend on the nature and length of the breach. The maximum fine is £5,000 per property, and local authorities may also publish details of the breach. Further information is available in the government’s MEES enforcement guidance.

When might an exemption apply?

If a property qualifies for an exemption, it must be registered before the landlord or agent relies on it. Registration is usually completed through self-certification, although evidence will need to be provided to support the claim.

The available exemptions, together with the relevant evidence requirements, are explained in the government’s guidance on PRS exemptions and the Exemptions Register.

Proposed requirements from 2030

The government has announced plans to raise the energy-efficiency standard for privately rented homes. A single compliance date of 1 October 2030 is proposed.

The future rules are not expected to rely solely on a traditional EPC Band C rating. Instead, the proposed standard will use updated measures relating to the building’s fabric and the performance or smart-readiness of its heating system.

Until any new requirements come into force, Band E remains the legal minimum for properties covered by the current rules. The government’s response on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes sets out more detail on the proposed approach.

As the final regulations and guidance have not yet taken effect, landlords should continue to check GOV.UK rather than treating a conventional Band C rating as the only measure of future compliance.

Ways to improve a property’s energy performance

Your EPC report is a useful starting point when deciding which improvements may be worthwhile. Depending on the property, possible measures could include:

• adding loft or cavity-wall insulation
• installing more effective heating controls
• replacing an inefficient boiler or exploring heat-pump options
• fitting low-energy lighting
• reducing draughts
• upgrading windows or glazing where suitable
• considering renewable-energy systems

Every property is different, and an EPC recommendation will not always be practical or appropriate. Professional advice is particularly important for buildings with unusual construction, historic features or architectural constraints.

Energy-efficiency work may reduce energy consumption and improve comfort for tenants, but completing recommended works does not guarantee a particular EPC rating or confirm future compliance.

If you would like advice on your property’s EPC position or help planning improvements, our managed landlord services include guidance on compliance. For more informaition, contact our lettings experts today.

This information was reviewed on 27 October 2026 against official GOV.UK guidance. EPC and private-rented-sector requirements can change. Landlords should check the latest government guidance where necessary.