EPC Requirements for Landlords (2025 Rules & Updates)

EPC requirements

In 2018, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) introduced a crucial EPC requirements for landlords: all rental properties must achieve at least an EPC Band E rating for new tenancies. Since April 2020, this rule applies to ALL existing tenancies in England and Wales – not just new agreements.

The government proposed significant updates in 2021, including plans to raise minimum standards to EPC Band C for new tenancies by 2025 and all rentals by 2028. However, following industry consultation and economic assessments, these deadlines were formally abandoned in September 2023.

As of 2025:

  • The EPC Band E minimum remains the ONLY legally enforced requirement

  • No Band C deadline is currently in law, though government consultations continue

  • Future targets (potentially Band C by 2030) remain under discussion

In this article, we cut through the confusion with:

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What Are the Current EPC Requirements?

  • Since 2008: All rental properties in England and Wales must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

  • April 2018: The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) made it illegal to let or renew tenancies for properties with an EPC rating below Band E.

  • April 2020: This rule extended to all existing tenancies – meaning even long-term rentals must comply.

Key 2025 Update

While the government scrapped plans to raise the minimum to Band C by 2025, the Band E requirement remains law. Landlords cannot legally let a property (new or existing tenancy) if:

  • The EPC is below Band E (F or G), or

  • No valid EPC exists (certificates expire after 10 years).

Exemptions: Limited exceptions apply (e.g., listed buildings, cost-prohibitive upgrades), but landlords must register these on the PRS Exemptions Register


Are EPC Requirements Changing?

The Latest Updates (2025)

  1. Band C Proposal Officially Scrapped

    • The government’s 2021 proposal to require EPC Band C for rentals by 2025 (new tenancies) and 2028 (all tenancies) was fully abandoned in September 2023.

    • Current law still mandates only EPC Band E as the minimum standard.

  2. No Changes to Penalties

    • The planned increase in fines (from £5,000 to £30,000) was also dropped.

    • Existing penalties remain: up to £5,000 for renting a sub-Band E property.

  3. Future Uncertainty

    • While no new deadlines are set, the government’s Net Zero 2050 target means stricter EPC rules may return.

    • Scotland is still considering its own Band C by 2028 requirement – landlords with properties across the UK should monitor regional differences.

Why the Reversal?

  • Cost concerns: Upgrades to Band C were estimated to cost landlords £10,000–£15,000 per property.

  • Practical challenges: Shortages of qualified installers and materials (e.g., heat pumps, insulation).

  • Political shift: Focus moved to voluntary schemes like the Great British Insulation Scheme rather than enforced deadlines.


What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal document that:
✔ Rates your property’s energy efficiency (A = best, G = worst)
✔ Estimates annual energy costs for heating, lighting, and hot water
✔ Recommends cost-effective improvements to boost efficiency.

How EPC Assessments Work

qualified assessor will inspect your property for 30-40 minutes, checking:

What They Examine Why It Matters
Windows & doors Heat loss/draughts
Insulation (loft/walls) Key to retaining warmth
Heating systems Age/type of boiler affects efficiency
Renewable energy Solar panels/heat pumps boost ratings
Lighting LED vs. halogen bulb impact
Property age & size Older/larger homes often score lower
 
 
Note: 2025 assessments now factor in smart thermostats and heat pump readiness.
 

Understanding Your EPC Rating

  • Band A-B (90+ points): Top 10% of UK properties

  • Band C (69-80 points): Future target (currently voluntary)

  • Band E (39-54 points)Legal minimum for rentals

  • Band F-G (1-38 points): Cannot be legally let without upgrades

    2025 Insight
    : The average UK rental scores Band D – use your EPC’s recommendation report to identify priority upgrades.

Why It Matters in 2025

  • Legal compliance: Band E minimum still enforced

  • Tenant demand: 68% prefer energy-efficient homes (Rightmove)

  • Future-proofing: Scotland may enforce Band C by 2028

Tip: Check your property’s EPC for free at EPC Register.


Do I Need Tenant Permission for an EPC Assessment?

✅ 24-Hour Notice Required: You must provide tenants with written notice at least 24 hours before the EPC assessment.
✅ Tenant Consent Needed: While tenants cannot unreasonably refuse access for a legally required EPC, they may:

  • Request to reschedule (within reason)

  • Ask to be present during the inspection

What If My Tenant Refuses?

  1. Explain the Legal Requirement: EPCs are mandatory – without one, you risk:

    • £200 fine for no valid EPC

    • Inability to legally let the property

  2. Offer Flexibility: Propose multiple time slots to accommodate their schedule.

  3. Formal Notice: If refusal persists, serve a Section 21 notice (England/Wales) after tenancy terms allow.

Emergency Access Rights

Tenant consent is not required for:

  • Gas leaks

  • Flooding

  • Electrical hazards

  • Other immediate health/safety risks.


How Long Does an EPC Last?

Validity Period

✅ 10 Years: Your EPC remains valid for a decade from the issue date.
✅ Renewal Triggers: You only need a new EPC when:

  • Starting a new tenancy (even if the rating hasn’t changed).

  • Selling the property.

Note: Scotland requires renewal every 10 years regardless of tenancy changes.

What’s in Your EPC Report?

The assessment includes cost-effective improvement suggestions, such as:

Top 2025 Upgrades for Landlords

Improvement Avg. Cost EPC Impact
Loft/cavity wall insulation £500–£1,500 +10–20 points
Smart thermostat £150–£300 +5–10 points
Solar panels £4,000–£8,000 +15–30 points
Air source heat pump* £7,000–£13,000 +20–40 points

 

Eligible for £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant until 2028.

 

Other Common Recommendations

  • Draught-proofing windows/doors

  • Low-energy lighting (LEDs)

  • Insulating hot water tanks/pipes

Pro Tip: Use the EPC Improvement Tool to prioritize upgrades based on your property’s specifics.

Why Update an Expired EPC?

Even if not legally required, a new EPC may reveal:

  • Cheaper improvements (e.g., newer insulation methods).

  • Higher-scoring upgrades (heat pumps now add more points than in 2015 assessments).

  • Grant eligibility (some schemes require a recent EPC)


    When Do I Need to Renew My EPC?

    Key Renewal Rules for Landlords

    ✅ 10-Year Validity: EPCs expire a decade after issue (check your certificate’s date).
    ✅ Renewal Triggers: You must get a new EPC when:

    • Starting a new tenancy (even with the same rating).

    • Selling the property.

    • Mortgage lenders require it (some “green mortgages” demand recent EPCs).

    ⚠️ Important Exception: In Scotland, EPCs must be renewed every 10 years regardless of tenancy changes.

    Why Consider Renewing Early?

    Even if not legally required, a new EPC may help you:

    • Discover cheaper upgrades (e.g., newer insulation methods).

    • Access grants (some schemes require EPCs <5 years old).

    • Boost tenant appeal (68% prefer homes with higher ratings).

    *Example: A 2015 EPC might recommend expensive double glazing, while a 2025 assessment could suggest cost-effective smart thermostats instead.*

    How to Check Your EPC Status

    1. Visit the EPC Register.

    2. Enter your postcode.

    3. Download your current certificate (free).

    Penalty Risk: Fines up to £200 if caught without a valid EPC during a trigger event.


    How Can Landlords Meet Current EPC Requirements?

    1. Get an EPC Assessment

    • No EPC? Book an assessment immediately with a qualified domestic energy assessor.

    • The inspection takes 30–40 minutes, but implementing improvements (if needed) may take weeks.

    • Cost: From £89 (Inc. VAT) (varies by property size/location).

    2. Understand Your EPC Report

    • If your property is Band E or above: No action required (but consider voluntary upgrades for future-proofing).

    • If Band F or G: You must make improvements to reach Band E.

    3. Funding & Cost Rules

    • Spending Cap: The £3,500 cap (including grants) still applies for upgrades to meet Band E.

    • Exemptions: Register a high-cost exemption if:

      • Improvements exceed £3,500, or

      • You lack necessary permissions (e.g., from freeholders).

    • Grants Available:

    4. Recommended Upgrades

    Improvement Typical Cost EPC Impact
    LED lighting £50–£150 +1–5 points
    Cavity wall insulation £500–£1,500 +10–20 points
    Smart thermostat £150–£300 +5–10 points

     

    5. Next Steps

    1. Check your EPC rating here.

    2. Prioritize low-cost, high-impact upgrades (see table above).

    3. Apply for grants before investing your own funds.

    Pro Tip: Use the government’s EPC Improvement Tool for a tailored upgrade plan.


    Which Properties Are Exempt from EPC Requirements?

    Full List of Exemptions (2025 Rules)

    Your rental property does not need an EPC if it falls under one of these categories:

    1. Listed or Protected Buildings

      • Where energy efficiency improvements would “unacceptably alter” character/appearance (e.g., installing double glazing in a Grade II-listed window).

      • Note: You must provide evidence (e.g., conservation officer’s written advice).

    2. Temporary Buildings

      • Structures designed for use ≤ 2 years (e.g., construction site offices).

    3. Places of Worship

      • Active religious buildings (e.g., churches, mosques).

    4. Industrial/Workshop Facilities

      • Sites with minimal energy use (e.g., standalone workshops, non-residential agricultural buildings).

    5. Small Detached Buildings

      • Properties with ≤ 50m² floor space (e.g., garden annexes, tiny homes).

    6. Scheduled for Demolition

      • Requires proof (e.g., planning permission or demolition notice).

    How to Claim an Exemption

    • Register on the PRS Exemptions Register.

    • Provide supporting documents (e.g., listed building consent, demolition permits).

    • Exemptions last 5 years (renewable if criteria still apply).


    Are Tenants Entitled to a Copy of the EPC?

    Landlord Obligations

    ✅ Legal Requirement: You must provide tenants with a copy of the property’s EPC:

    • Before they sign the tenancy agreement

    • At the start of any new tenancy (including renewals with existing tenants)

    ⚠️ Penalty: Failing to supply an EPC can result in:

    • £200 fine per violation

    • Invalid Section 21 eviction notices (England/Wales)

    How Tenants Can Access the EPC

    1. From the Landlord: Request a digital or paper copy.

    2. Online Check: Search the EPC Register using:

      • The property’s postcode

      • The report reference number (if available)

    Note: The register shows all EPCs issued since 2008, including expired certificates.

    Why This Matters in 2025

    • Tenant Rights: 72% of renters check EPCs before signing leases (Rightmove 2025).

    • Energy Costs: Band A homes save tenants £1,200/year vs. Band D (EST).

    • Future Rules: Scotland may require EPCs in all rental ads by 2026


    What Happens If I Don’t Have an EPC?

    Immediate Legal Consequences

    🚨 Fines:

    • £5,000 for renting a property without a valid EPC (per property)

    • £200 for failing to display the EPC in rental ads (England/Wales)

    ⚖️ Invalid Evictions:

    • Cannot serve a Section 21 notice without providing:

      • Current EPC

      • Gas Safety Certificate

      • Latest EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)

      • How to Rent guide (England only)

    Long-Term Risks

    • Mortgage Issues: Lenders may withhold financing for non-compliant properties.

    • Insurance Voidance: Some policies require valid EPCs.

    • Tenant Disputes: Renters can report violations to local Trading Standards.

    How to Fix It Fast

    1. Book an AssessmentFind an accredited assessor (from £89).

    2. Upgrade if Needed: If rating is F/G, you have 3 months to improve to Band E.

    3. Submit Proof: Provide tenants/local authorities with the new EPC.

    “Landlords in London face stricter enforcement – fines are 20% higher in the capital.”


    EPC Requirements for Scotland & Wales

    Scotland

    ✅ Minimum Rating: Band E (same as England)
    ✅ Stricter Renewal Rules: EPCs must be renewed every 10 years (even without tenancy changes)
    ⚠️ Future Changes: Scottish Government proposes Band C by 2028 (consultation ongoing)
    🔍 Additional Requirement: EPC must be displayed in all rental ads

    Wales

    ✅ Minimum Rating: Band E
    ✅ Renewal Trigger: Only when selling/re-letting (like England)
    ⚠️ Special Cases: Some rural properties may qualify for exemptions

    Key Differences at a Glance

    Requirement Scotland Wales England
    Minimum EPC Band E Band E Band E
    Renewal Frequency Every 10 years At trigger points At trigger points
    Ad Display Rules Mandatory Recommended Mandatory

     

    Penalties for Non-Compliance

    • Fines up to £5,000 in both nations

    • Invalid evictions (cannot serve Section 21 equivalent notices)


    Are More EPC Changes Coming?

    Current Legal Position

    ✅ No immediate changes: The Band E minimum remains law after the government scrapped the 2025/2028 Band C deadlines.
    ✅ No new deadlines are confirmed, but the Net Zero 2050 target means future reforms are likely.

    Government Recommendations & Support

    Despite the U-turn, ministers still advise voluntary upgrades to:

    • Cut tenant energy bills (average £250/year savings for Band C vs. E).

    • Future-proof properties against potential 2030 regulations.

    • Access grants:

      • Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Increased to £7,500 for heat pumps (until 2028).

      • Great British Insulation Scheme: Free or discounted insulation for eligible homes.

    Why Act Now?

    Benefit Impact
    Tenant Demand 68% of renters prefer energy-efficient homes (Rightmove 2025).
    Mortgage Savings “Green mortgages” offer lower rates for higher EPC ratings.
    Avoid Future Rush If Band C returns, early adopters won’t face last-minute upgrade chaos.

     

    Our Advice

    1. Meet the law: Ensure your property is Band E+ with a valid EPC.

    2. Plan ahead: Use the free EPC Improvement Tool to identify cost-effective upgrades.

    3. Leverage grants: Explore funding before investing your own capital.

    “While Band E is legally sufficient today, proactive landlords are already preparing for tomorrow’s standards.”


    What’s Your View on the EPC U-Turn? Share Your Experience?

    The government’s 2023 reversal on EPC upgrades sparked fierce debate. Now in 2025, we’re seeing the real-world impact:

    ✅ Relieved landlords who avoided costly upgrades
    ⚠️ Frustrated tenants facing higher energy bills in inefficient homes
    💡 Forward-thinking investors still upgrading voluntarily

    We want to hear from you:

    • Did you already invest in upgrades before the U-turn?

    • Have you changed your strategy (e.g., selling/retrofitting)?

    • Do you think Band C requirements should return?

    Join the conversation below – your insights help other landlords navigate this shifting landscape.


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