The Government has proposed raising the minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating for private lettings in England and Wales from E to C. The current enforceable minimum remains EPC E under the MEES Regulations 2015. The proposal sets EPC C for new tenancies by 2028 and all tenancies by 2030, with a £15,000 cost cap before an exemption applies.
Current law: EPC E is the minimum
All private rented properties in England and Wales must have a valid EPC rating of at least E. Letting an F or G property without a registered exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register is unlawful. Penalties reach £5,000 per property. EPC E compliance is a live duty — address any sub-E properties before planning for C.
What the proposed EPC C standard means
- New tenancies: EPC C proposed as minimum by 2028
- All existing tenancies: EPC C proposed by 2030
- Cost cap: £15,000 per property before exemption applies (up from £3,500 for MEES E)
- Exemption duration: 5 years, same as current MEES E exemptions
- Not yet law — EPC C is a policy proposal as of May 2026
Typical upgrade costs
D to C: typically £3,000–£10,000 (loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, modern boiler). E to C: £8,000–£20,000 for Victorian terraces. F/G to C: £20,000+ for solid-walled properties requiring external insulation, heat pump, or glazing upgrades.
Government grants
- ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4): free works for tenants on qualifying benefits. Typical grant value £10,000–£25,000
- Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS): covers insulation in lower-rated or lower-income properties
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): £7,500 toward an air-source heat pump from an MCS-certified installer
Steps to take now
Check all current EPC ratings. Commission new EPCs where certificates are more than 3 years old. Review the recommended improvements section of each certificate. Check tenant benefit status for ECO4 eligibility. For leasehold properties, contact the freeholder now as consent issues take time to resolve.