EPC Requirements for Landlords UK 2026 — Energy Performance Certificate

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). All privately rented properties in England must have a valid EPC, and since 2020, properties in England must have a minimum EPC rating of E before they can be lawfully let to a new tenant. The government has proposed a new minimum of C by 2028 — a significant upgrade for many older rental properties. This guide explains what landlords need to know about EPC requirements in 2026.

Current EPC requirements for landlords in England (2026)

• A valid EPC (Domestic Energy Performance Certificate) must be obtained before marketing the property to let
• The EPC must be provided to the prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity during the marketing process
• The minimum permissible rating for a private rented property is E — you cannot let (or continue to let) a property rated F or G without an exemption
• The EPC must have been produced by an accredited domestic energy assessor and lodged on the national EPC register
• EPCs are valid for 10 years — check the expiry date before re-letting; if the certificate has expired, a new assessment is required
• Serving a copy of the EPC at the start of the tenancy is a prescribed document obligation — failing to serve it can affect the validity of a Section 8 notice

Penalties for sub-standard EPCs

• Letting a property with an EPC rating of F or G (without a registered exemption) is a civil offence
• Local authorities can issue a compliance notice requiring evidence of compliance or exemption registration
• Penalty notice: up to £5,000 for a breach of up to 3 months; up to £30,000 for a breach of more than 3 months
• The property address is listed on the PRS Exemptions Register — publicly searchable
• A penalty for sub-standard EPC does not in itself give the tenant the right to withhold rent, but it may be relevant evidence in HHSRS enforcement by the local authority

Exemptions from the minimum EPC requirement

• High cost exemption: If the cheapest improvement measure(s) would cost more than £3,500 (inc. VAT) to bring the property to E, and the property would still be below E after spending £3,500, the landlord can register for a 5-year exemption
• Third-party consent exemption: Where the landlord has been unable to obtain required consent from a tenant, superior landlord, or lender to carry out improvement works
• All improvements made exemption: Where all relevant improvement measures have been installed and the property is still below E
• Listed building exemption: Listed buildings where improvement works would unacceptably alter the character or appearance — seek specialist conservation advice
• All exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register — they do not apply automatically

Proposed EPC C minimum by 2028 — what landlords should plan for

The government has proposed raising the minimum EPC rating for private rental properties from E to C by 2028. This has not yet been enacted in law but landlords should begin planning:

• The proposed spending cap is £15,000 per property — landlords would not be required to spend more than this to achieve C
• Properties that cannot reach C even with £15,000 of investment would qualify for an exemption
• Common improvements to achieve EPC C: cavity wall insulation, loft insulation (270mm), double glazing, upgrading from G-rated boiler to an A-rated condensing boiler, solar PV panels
• EPC modelling: commission an EPC assessment now to identify which improvements are recommended and their estimated cost — use this to plan capital expenditure
• Heat pumps: air source heat pumps significantly improve EPC ratings but require careful planning (adequate insulation, sufficient hot water cylinder, appropriate radiator sizing)
• Check for government grants: the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and ECO4 scheme may fund some improvements for properties below C — eligibility depends on the tenant's circumstances

How to improve your EPC rating

• Loft insulation (270mm+): One of the most cost-effective improvements — typically costs £300–£600 and can raise a D-rated property to C
• Cavity wall insulation: Effective where cavity walls are present — costs £500–£1,500 and significantly reduces heat loss
• Boiler upgrade: Replacing an old G or F-rated boiler with an A-rated condensing combi boiler typically costs £2,000–£3,500 installed
• Double glazing: Replacing single-glazed windows with double glazing improves both EPC rating and tenant comfort — costs £400–£700 per window
• Solar PV panels: 3.5kW system typically costs £5,000–£8,000 — can significantly improve EPC rating and generate a Feed-in Tariff income
• Smart thermostat and heating controls: Low-cost improvement — typically adds 1–2 EPC points