A landlord’s guide to energy performance certificates (EPCS): latest tips and updates for 2025

As a landlord in the UK, staying compliant with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations is not just a legal necessity—it’s also a way to enhance your property’s appeal, reduce tenant energy costs, and contribute to the nation’s sustainability goals. With evolving policies and increasing scrutiny on energy efficiency, 2025 brings both challenges and opportunities for landlords. Here’s the latest on EPC requirements, along with actionable tips to keep your rental properties compliant and competitive.

Since 2008, landlords have been required to provide an EPC when renting or selling a property. An EPC rates a property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), introduced in 2018 and fully enforced by April 2020, mandate that all private rental properties in England and Wales must achieve at least an EPC rating of E before they can be let—unless a valid exemption applies.

However, the conversation around EPCs has shifted significantly in recent years. The UK government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has put pressure on the private rental sector to improve energy efficiency beyond the current minimum. In 2023, plans to raise the minimum EPC rating to C by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing ones were shelved by the Conservative government. But with the Labour government now in power, these ambitions have been revived. As of March 2025, the Labour administration has confirmed plans to require all rental properties to reach an EPC rating of C by 2030, aligning with their Warm Homes Plan to tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions.

1. Proposed EPC C Requirement by 2030: The government is consulting on raising the minimum EPC rating to C, with a phased approach likely starting with new tenancies in 2028 and extending to all tenancies by 2030. A consultation launched in February 2025 seeks input from landlords and tenants, hinting at potential changes like new EPC metrics (e.g., fabric performance and heating efficiency) and a cost cap for upgrades, possibly rising from £3,500 to £10,000 or £15,000.
2. Stricter Enforcement on the Horizon: While fines for non-compliance currently stand at up to £5,000 per property, past proposals (scrapped in 2023) suggested penalties could rise to £30,000. Though not yet law, this signals a tougher stance on enforcement that landlords should prepare for.
3. Funding Support: The Labour government has pledged £13.2 billion over five years for grants and low-interest loans to support energy efficiency upgrades, such as insulation and low-carbon heating. Schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Great British Insulation Scheme remain available, alongside potential local authority grants—check with your council for specifics.
4. EPC System Overhaul: The government is exploring reforms to the EPC framework, including requiring a new EPC at the end of a tenancy (even with the same tenant) and scrapping the 28-day grace period for marketing properties without an EPC. These changes aim to ensure ratings reflect current conditions more accurately.

1. Check Your EPC Now: If you haven’t reviewed your property’s EPC recently, retrieve it from the government’s EPC Register using your postcode. If it’s nearing its 10-year expiration or rates below C, plan for a reassessment or upgrades. You don’t need a new EPC mid-tenancy, but it’s required before marketing to new tenants.
2. Prioritize Cost-Effective Upgrades: Focus on improvements that boost your EPC rating without breaking the bank:
   • Insulation: Add loft insulation (at least 270mm thick) and consider cavity wall insulation—up to a third of heat loss occurs through uninsulated roofs and walls.
   • LED Lighting: Swap out old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs, a quick and affordable fix.
   • Hot Water Efficiency: Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes to reduce heat loss.
   • Windows: Upgrade to double or triple glazing if feasible—new windows can add up to 10 points to your EPC score.
3. Explore Heating Solutions: Boilers are a major factor in EPC ratings. Replacing an outdated model with an energy-efficient one (e.g., a combi boiler or heat pump) can significantly improve your score. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants to offset costs.
4. Leverage Financial Support: Don’t shoulder the burden alone. Apply for available grants or loans to fund upgrades. For example, the Green Homes Grant (where still active) covers up to two-thirds of costs, capped at £5,000. Contact your local authority or visit government websites for current options.
5. Understand Exemptions: If upgrades exceed the current £3,500 cap and still don’t achieve an E rating, register a high-cost exemption via the PRS Exemptions Register. For listed buildings or properties where improvements would harm value or character, other exemptions may apply—document these carefully.
6. Plan for the Future: With the EPC C target looming, start budgeting now. The average cost to reach C is estimated at £4,700, though older or larger properties may cost more. Spreading upgrades over time can ease the financial strain and position your property as a premium, energy-efficient rental.
7. Communicate with Tenants: Tenants increasingly value energy-efficient homes for lower bills and comfort. Highlight your EPC rating in marketing materials and provide tenants with a copy at the tenancy start—it’s a legal must, and non-compliance can block a Section 21 eviction notice.

Waiting until 2030 isn’t just risky—it could cost you more. Research from estate agency Hamptons suggests that, at the current pace, it would take until 2042 for all rental homes to hit EPC C naturally. With 340,000 homes needing upgrades annually to meet the 2030 goal, early action avoids last-minute rushes and potential price hikes for assessors and contractors. Plus, a higher EPC rating can attract eco-conscious tenants, reduce void periods, and even command higher rents.

The EPC landscape for landlords is shifting, but it’s not all doom and gloom. By staying informed and proactive, you can turn regulatory changes into opportunities—improving your property’s value, tenant satisfaction, and environmental impact. Start with a simple EPC check, tap into funding, and implement affordable upgrades today. The clock is ticking toward 2030, but with the right steps, you’ll be ready well ahead of time.

For more guidance, visit GOV.UK for official MEES details or consult an accredited energy assessor to kickstart your journey to compliance.

The #1 tip for a quick sale

London’s property market offers international buyers a wide range of opportunities, whether you're seeking a long-term investment, a high rental yield, a family home, or a second residence. With its stable market, high rental demand, world-class education system, business opportunities, and unmatched lifestyle.

Book A Validation

+44 207 183 6592

See why you choose Druce for property validation

Subscribe

Looking for more insights? Never miss an update.

The latest news, insights and opportunities from global commercial real estate markets straight to your inbox.

Subscribe News