EPC C Requirements for Landlords by 2030: What You Need to Know

In January 2026 the UK Government confirmed a major shift in Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the private rented sector in England and Wales. From 1 October 2030, nearly all private rented homes will need to meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C to be legally let, unless an exemption applies.

• Single compliance deadline: All private rented properties must achieve at least EPC C by 1 October 2030 for continued lettings, replacing earlier plans to phase in higher standards from 2028.
• Valid EPCs count: Properties with a current EPC at Band C obtained before 1 October 2029 will be recognised as compliant until that certificate expires (EPCs remain valid for 10 years).
• New assessment model: A fresh EPC methodology, called the Home Energy Model, is being introduced and will become the basis for future ratings from late 2029.

The government has set a spending cap of £10,000 per property on energy efficiency improvements. Landlords may register a cost-cap exemption once this limit is reached, even if the property still falls short of Band C. For properties valued under £100,000, the cap is reduced to 10 % of the property’s value.

Any qualifying improvement expenditure from 1 October 2025 onwards counts toward the cap, so early action can help spread compliance costs.

A number of exemptions will continue to be available under the new regime, including:

• Cost cap exemption: Once the landlord has spent up to the capped amount.
  
• Third-party consent exemption: Where needed consents (e.g., freeholder, planning) cannot be obtained.
  
• Negative impacts exemption: If recommended improvements would materially harm the property.
  
• Solid wall insulation exemption: For properties where this measure isn’t appropriate.
  
• Low-value property exemption: Lower spending cap for lower-valued homes.
  

Exemptions are generally registered on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register and are valid for set periods (often 5-10 years).

Once the rules take effect, local authorities will have stronger enforcement powers, and penalties for non-compliance are set to rise significantly. Proposed fines could reach up to £30,000 per property per breach, replacing much lower existing penalties.

• Start early: Given the scale of improvements needed across the sector and potential supply constraints in labour and materials, acting now can help manage costs and timelines.
• Plan strategically: Achieving EPC C under the new Home Energy Model may involve both “fabric” improvements (e.g., insulation, windows) and choices around heating systems or smart-readiness technologies.
• Use exemptions wisely: Understanding and applying the full range of exemptions can provide legal cover where improvements are impractical or too costly.

The Government’s 2030 EPC C target raises the compliance bar for private landlords significantly. While the introduction of a cost cap and extended exemptions reflects sector feedback, meeting the new standard will still require proactive planning and investment, or careful use of exemptions where appropriate.

For more information, please get in touch with us, and we would love to answer any questions you may have!