EPC rules for rented homes: band E today, the EPC C plan for 2030, and what agents should do

A privately rented home in England and Wales must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and, unless an exemption is registered, a rating of E or better. That has been the rule for all tenancies since 1 April 2020.

The bar is going up. In January 2026 the government confirmed that privately rented homes must meet a higher standard, equivalent to EPC C, by 1 October 2030, with landlords expected to spend up to £10,000 per property. This guide covers today's rules, what has been confirmed for 2030, and how agencies can prepare. Checked against gov.uk on 17 September 2026.

At a glance

Today's rules

You need an EPC to let

A landlord needs a valid EPC when renting out a property. An EPC is valid for 10 years. The landlord or letting agent must show the EPC to people renting the property.

Minimum rating E

Since 1 April 2020, landlords cannot let or continue to let a property covered by the rules with a rating below E (that is, F or G), unless a valid exemption is registered.

Exemptions

Where a property cannot reach E, an exemption may apply and must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. Most last five years. They include:

• High cost: the cheapest improvement would cost more than £3,500 including VAT (three quotes from qualified installers are needed)
• All relevant improvements made: improvements up to the cap still leave the property below E
• Wall insulation: the only measures would harm the building's fabric or structure
• Consent: a required third-party consent could not be obtained
• Devaluation: a surveyor's report shows improvements would reduce the property's value by more than 5%
• New landlord: a temporary six-month exemption in some circumstances

Penalties today

Councils can fine up to £5,000 per property in total, made up of:

• up to £2,000 for letting a non-compliant property for less than three months
• up to £4,000 for three months or more
• up to £1,000 for false information on the exemptions register
• up to £2,000 for not complying with a compliance notice

What has been confirmed for 2030

The government response published on 21 January 2026 confirmed:

• All privately rented homes must meet the higher standard by 1 October 2030. An earlier idea of applying it to new tenancies from 2028 was dropped.
• The standard is set on new EPC metrics: a primary standard on fabric performance, plus a secondary standard on either smart readiness or the heating system, as the landlord chooses.
• Landlords will be required to spend up to £10,000 per property. Spending on relevant improvements from 1 October 2025 counts towards the cap.
• Where a property still falls short after reaching the cap, an exemption lasting 10 years will be available. There will also be a property value adjustment for lower-value homes.
• The maximum fine rises to £30,000 per property per breach.

These are policy decisions. The government still has to pass the legal powers and then make regulations, aiming for them to come into force in 2027. Details can change until then, so check gov.uk before advising landlords on specific works.

What agencies should do now

1. List every managed property's EPC rating and expiry date. Anything F or G without a registered exemption is non-compliant today.
2. Check exemptions are registered and diary when each five-year exemption ends.
3. Renew EPCs before they expire, not when a property is about to be marketed.
4. Flag properties rated D or below to landlords now. They are the ones likely to need work before October 2030.
5. Keep receipts for improvements made since 1 October 2025, as they are expected to count towards the £10,000 cap.
6. Plan work between tenancies where possible, rather than disturbing tenants mid-tenancy.

Keeping it on track in Letfold

Letfold stores each property's EPC with its rating and expiry date, and emails owners and managers at 60, 30, 14 and 7 days before it expires, on the day, and after it lapses. With ratings on each property, it is quick to see which landlords to talk to about 2030. See compliance tracking, and the letting agent compliance checklist for the other duties.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum EPC rating to rent out a property?

E, in England and Wales, unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.

Do rented homes need EPC C by 2030?

The government has confirmed that privately rented homes must meet a higher standard, equivalent to EPC C, by 1 October 2030. The regulations still have to be made, with the aim of them coming into force in 2027.

How much will landlords have to spend to meet the 2030 standard?

Up to £10,000 per property, according to the January 2026 government response. Spending on relevant improvements from 1 October 2025 counts towards it.

How long is an EPC valid for?

10 years.

What is the fine for letting a property below EPC E?

Up to £5,000 per property in total today. The confirmed 2030 policy raises the maximum to £30,000 per property per breach.

Sources

Checked on 17 September 2026:

• Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard - landlord guidance (gov.uk, updated 5 May 2026)
• Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: government response (gov.uk, 21 January 2026)
• Energy Performance Certificates (gov.uk)

This article is general information, not legal advice.