What EPC rating do landlords need now?
Since 2020, relevant domestic private rented properties in England and Wales generally cannot be let with an EPC below E, unless a valid exemption is registered (HM Government, GOV.UK), for new or existing tenancies alike.Which rental properties are covered by MEES?
Tenancy types and EPC requirements
MEES applies to domestic properties let on an assured periodic tenancy, a regulated tenancy, or an agricultural tenancy, that are legally required to have an EPC, generally any property marketed, let or modified in the past 10 years. If your property doesn’t meet both conditions, MEES doesn’t apply.England and Wales only
Applies to England and Wales only. Landlords in Scotland or Northern Ireland should check their own rules.What happens if a rental property is EPC F or G?
Improve the rating or register a valid exemption
Improve to E, or register a valid exemption, before a new tenancy starts. Already letting F or G with no exemption? Act immediately.Current cost cap
You’re not required to spend more than £3,500 including VAT to reach E. If it would cost more, install what the cap allows using your EPC’s recommendations, then register an ‘all improvements made’ exemption.EPC exemptions for landlords
When an exemption may apply
Exemptions may apply if: reaching E would cost more than the cap; all relevant improvements are made and the property is still below E; the only outstanding measure is wall insulation an expert advises against; a required third-party consent is refused; a RICS surveyor confirms the improvements would devalue the property by over 5%; or you’ve recently become a landlord (a temporary 6-month exemption).Why registration matters
Registration isn’t automatic. You must register on the PRS Exemptions Register before relying on one, most last 5 years.Current penalties for non-compliance
Local authorities enforce the current rules and can issue financial penalties for letting a non-compliant property, or for providing false exemption information. The maximum total financial penalty is £5,000 per property (GOV.UK).What is changing for landlords by 2030?
The planned higher standard
Government has confirmed a higher standard for all tenancies by 1 October 2030, broadly equivalent to EPC C but measured against new EPC metrics, subject to Parliamentary approval (GOV.UK).Why “EPC C from 2025” is not the current rule
Claims that EPC C became mandatory in April 2025 are incorrect. The current minimum remains EPC E, the higher standard isn’t due until 2030.New EPC metrics and future cost cap
The planned regime is expected to set a primary fabric-performance standard plus a secondary heating or smart-readiness standard, landlord’s choice, with a maximum required investment of £10,000 per property, higher than today’s £3,500 cap, subject to legislation.How to plan EPC improvements
Start with your EPC’s own recommendations, don’t assume any single upgrade (a boiler, a heat pump, solar panels) guarantees a particular rating. Fabric improvements like insulation and draught-proofing are usually worth considering first, and older or solid-wall properties often need specialist advice. Check a property’s current EPC through the official service, also useful if you’re separately reducing energy bills through practical energy-efficiency measures.Funding and support to check
Terms change, check current GOV.UK guidance before relying on a grant or tax position. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 toward a heat pump, or £5,000 toward a biomass boiler. ECO and the Great British Insulation Scheme are both due to end this year.Frequently asked questions
Do landlords need EPC C now?
No, the current legal minimum remains EPC E, unless a valid exemption applies. EPC C is a planned future standard, not a current requirement.
Can I let a property with an EPC F or G?
Only with a valid registered exemption. Otherwise the property needs to reach E first, for new or continuing tenancies alike.
What is the current EPC cost cap for landlords?
£3,500 including VAT. If reaching E costs more, install what the cap allows, then register an ‘all improvements made’ exemption.
Do I need to register an EPC exemption?
Yes. An exemption only applies once registered on the PRS Exemptions Register, it isn’t automatic just because your circumstances qualify.
When will the higher EPC standard apply?
The government’s confirmed target is 1 October 2030 for all tenancies, subject to Parliamentary approval, not April 2025.
Landlord EPC checklist
This guide provides general information for landlords in England and Wales. EPC, exemption, planning, funding and tax positions can depend on the property and circumstances, so seek professional advice where needed.- Current EPC checked
- MEES applicability confirmed
- E or above in place, or exemption registered
- Cost cap reviewed
- 2030 changes noted for planning
