EPC Requirements for Landlords in 2025: What You Need to Know

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have been a legal requirement for UK landlords since 2008. With regulations evolving over the years, landlords often ask: What are the EPC requirements in 2025?

In this guide, we’ll break down the current EPC rules, highlight what’s changed, and explain what you need to do to stay compliant – while also future-proofing your rental property.

• What Are the Current EPC Requirements?
• What Happened to the Band C Proposal?
• EPC Assessments in 2025: What to Expect
• How to Improve Your EPC Rating
• Do Tenants Need a Copy of the EPC?
• EPC Rules in Scotland & Wales
• What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
• Why Landlords Should Act Now

What Are the Current EPC Requirements for Landlords?

EPCs measure a property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). They are valid for 10 years and must be provided to tenants before a tenancy begins.

Since April 2020, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) make it illegal to let out a property in England and Wales with an EPC rating below Band E. This applies to all tenancies – new and existing.

Key 2025 Rules at a Glance

• Minimum rating required: Band E (properties with F or G cannot legally be let).

• Penalties: Fines of up to £5,000 for non-compliance.

• Exemptions: Certain properties (e.g., listed buildings, small detached units, cost-prohibitive upgrades) may qualify, but landlords must register on the PRS Exemptions Register.

• Certificate validity: 10 years, renewed when letting, selling, or if expired.

👉 Check your property’s EPC on the official EPC Register.

What Happened to the Band C Proposal?

The government originally planned to raise EPC requirements to Band C by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for all rentals. However, in September 2023, these proposals were officially scrapped.

• No Band C deadline is in law (as of 2025).

• The £30,000 penalty increase was also dropped (fines remain capped at £5,000).

• Future changes are still under consultation, with a possible Band C target by 2030 to meet the UK’s Net Zero commitments.

What This Means for Landlords

While Band E remains the legal minimum today, tenants are increasingly demanding more energy-efficient homes. In fact, 68% of renters prefer energy-efficient properties (Rightmove).

Forward-thinking landlords who upgrade voluntarily can:

• Attract better tenants and reduce void periods.

• Command higher rents in competitive markets.

• Access green mortgage deals and grants.

EPC Assessments in 2025: What to Expect

A qualified EPC assessor will visit your property (30–40 minutes) and examine:

• Insulation: Loft and wall insulation are key to efficiency.

• Heating system: Age and type of boiler.

• Windows & doors: Draughts and glazing.

• Lighting: LED vs halogen bulbs.

• Renewables: Solar panels, heat pumps, or smart thermostats.

Updated 2025 Assessment Factors

• Smart thermostats now add extra points.

• Heat pump readiness is factored into scores.

How to Improve Your EPC Rating

Even though Band E is the minimum, small upgrades can make your rental more attractive and future-proof.

Common Upgrades for Landlords (2025 Costs & Impacts)

• LED lighting: £50–£150 → +1–5 points

• 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)

💡 Pro Tip: Use the government’s EPC Improvement Tool to see which upgrades will give your property the biggest boost.

Do Tenants Need a Copy of the EPC?

Yes. Landlords must provide tenants with a valid EPC:

• Before they sign a tenancy agreement.

• At the start of any new tenancy (including renewals).

⚠️ Failing to do so risks a £200 fine and could make a Section 21 eviction notice invalid.

Regional Differences: EPC Rules in Scotland & Wales

• England & Wales: Minimum Band E, renewal only when letting, selling, or expired.

• Scotland: Band E minimum, but EPCs must be renewed every 10 years. Displaying EPCs in rental ads is mandatory. Future Band C by 2028 proposals are under consultation.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

• Fines: Up to £5,000 per property.

• Invalid evictions: You cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice without providing an EPC (England & Wales).

• Mortgage/insurance issues: Some lenders and insurers require valid EPCs.

Landlords in London should note: local enforcement is stricter, with penalties up to 20% higher.

Why Landlords Should Act Now

While EPC Band E is legally sufficient in 2025, waiting could prove costly if stricter rules return.

Benefits of upgrading early:

• Stay ahead of future regulations (likely Band C by 2030).

• Reduce tenant turnover with lower energy bills.

• Access government grants and green finance.

Final Thoughts

EPC requirements in 2025 may look less strict than once feared, but smart landlords are using this breathing space to prepare.

✅ Check your property’s EPC now.
✅ Make low-cost improvements where possible.
✅ Plan for future standards, not just today’s rules.

Being proactive doesn’t just protect your compliance – it also maximises your rental returns and makes your property more appealing to tenants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the EPC requirements for landlords in 2025?
Landlords must ensure their rental property has a valid EPC with a minimum rating of Band E. Properties rated F or G cannot legally be let unless an exemption is registered.

2. Do landlords still need to upgrade to Band C by 2025 or 2028?
No. The government scrapped the Band C deadlines in September 2023. Currently, only Band E is legally required, though future changes are still under consultation.

3. How much does an EPC assessment cost in 2025?
Prices typically start from around £89 (inc. VAT), depending on property size and location. Costs may be higher in London or for larger homes.

4. How long is an EPC valid for?
An EPC lasts for 10 years. You’ll need to renew it if it expires, when starting a new tenancy, or when selling your property. In Scotland, renewal is mandatory every 10 years regardless of tenancy changes.

5. What happens if I don’t have a valid EPC?
You risk a fine of up to £5,000 per property, potential issues with mortgages and insurance, and you cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice in England or Wales.

Resources:

• Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
• Search the official EPC register for your property’s energy certificate
• EPC Improvement Tool
• PRS Exemptions Register