With lots of attention on the Renters’ Rights Act, it has been easy to make this the focus for Landlords and their Letting Agents.

However, aside from the Act, the Government has now confirmed that rental properties will need to meet a minimum EPC Band C by 1^st October 2030.

There is to be a minimum spend of £10,000 per property when making improvements to increase an EPC rating. 

Currently an EPC provides a single rating from A to G, with E being the current minimum rating for all private rented properties.  This rating is based on the estimated cost of heating, lighting and hot water in a property.

Later in 2026, we expect the introduction of an overhauled EPC system which will measure a properties energy performance in four main ways including:-

• Fabric performance – how well a building retains heat;
• Heating system performance – the efficiency of heating;
• Smart readiness – the capacity to support smart energy technologies and
• Energy cost – shown as an estimated annual energy bill.

For a lot of smaller landlords the cost cap of £10,000 is a huge and overwhelming amount.  Landlords who have spent up to the limit but still not achieved a C rating may be able to apply for an exemption.  Non-compliance could result in substantial fines, potentially up to £30,000. 

Our advice would be to act early by upgrading windows, doors, insulation and heating systems to get their rental property to a C rating now.  Any EPC of C and above commissioned before October 2029 will remain compliant until that EPC expires, even if this is after the new EPC’s are introduced. 

If you’re concerned about the EPC rating of your current rental property, please get in touch with our lettings team.