Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): A guide for landlords
Posted November 5th 2026
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are an important consideration for landlords if they wish to rent out a property. In this blog, we explore what an EPC covers, the current minimum energy-efficiency standards and the government’s planned changes for privately rented homes by 2030.
What does an EPC include?
An EPC gives a property an energy-efficiency rating from A, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient. An EPC is normally valid for 10 years and can be reused during that period unless a newer certificate is issued.
An EPC must generally be commissioned before a property is marketed for sale or rent if there is no valid certificate. The landlord or seller must make it available to prospective buyers or tenants at the earliest opportunity and provide it free of charge to the person who ultimately buys or rents the property. See the government’s guide to Energy Performance Certificates.
An EPC includes the property’s energy-efficiency rating and recommendations for improving its energy performance. Recommendations may include measures such as low-energy lighting, insulation, heating improvements, draught-proofing, glazing or renewable-energy technologies.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) guidance applies to relevant domestic private rented properties in England and Wales. This generally means properties that are legally required to have an EPC and are let under specified types of tenancy.
Since 1 April 2020, landlords generally cannot let or continue to let a covered property with an EPC rating below Band E unless a valid exemption has been registered.
If you are planning to let a property rated F or G, you must normally improve it to Band E or register a valid exemption before entering into a new tenancy. If a property is already being let and is below Band E, the landlord must take the required action to improve it or register an exemption.
A property that is empty does not need to be improved until the landlord decides to let it again.
The maximum penalties vary according to the breach and its duration. The maximum total fine is £5,000 per property, although local authorities may also publish details of the breach. The government’s MEES enforcement guidance explains the penalties in more detail.
What are the EPC exemptions?
Where an exemption applies, it must be registered by the landlord or the landlord’s agent before it can be relied on. Registration is generally completed on a self-certification basis, but supporting evidence must be provided.
The current exemptions and evidence requirements are set out in the government’s guidance on PRS exemptions and the Exemptions Register.
Future changes to private rented property standards
The government has confirmed plans for a higher energy-efficiency standard for privately rented homes, with a proposed compliance date of 1 October 2030.
However, the future requirement will not simply be a conventional EPC Band C requirement. The proposed standard will use new EPC metrics covering fabric performance and heating-system performance or smart readiness.
The current Band E requirement remains the legal minimum for covered properties until the higher standard takes effect. The government’s response on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes provides further information about the proposed changes.
Landlords should monitor GOV.UK for the final regulations and guidance before relying on a conventional EPC Band C as the sole measure of future compliance.
Improving your EPC rating
Landlords should review the recommendations in their EPC report and consider which measures are suitable for the property. Common improvements may include:
- installing loft or cavity-wall insulation
- improving heating controls
- upgrading an inefficient boiler or considering a heat pump
- switching to low-energy lighting
- sealing draughts
- improving glazing where appropriate
- installing renewable-energy technologies where suitable
Not every recommendation will be appropriate for every property. Landlords should obtain suitable professional advice before commissioning work, particularly where improvements may affect the building’s structure, appearance or historic character.
Energy-efficiency improvements may help reduce energy use and make a property more comfortable for tenants, but they do not automatically guarantee a particular EPC rating or future compliance.
If you are unsure about your property’s EPC status or need help planning improvements, our Fully Managed landlord service includes guidance on compliance. Contact us today to speak to one of our lettings experts.
This information was reviewed on 27 October 2026 against official GOV.UK guidance. EPC and private-rented-sector requirements can change. Landlords should check the latest government guidance where necessary.
