EPC Requirements for Rental Properties in 2026
Energy Performance Certificates are mandatory for all rental properties. With minimum EPC rating requirements tightening, here is what landlords need to do now.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. RightHold is a compliance tracking tool, not a law firm. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified solicitor.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Every property marketed for rent must have a valid EPC. The certificate is valid for 10 years.
Current minimum requirements
Since April 2020, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations require all rented properties to have a minimum EPC rating of E. It is illegal to grant a new tenancy or continue an existing tenancy for a property rated F or G, unless the landlord has registered a valid exemption.
What is changing
In January 2026, the government announced that the minimum EPC requirement will be raised to Band C for all domestic privately rented properties from 1 October 2030. This applies to both new and existing tenancies. The new cost cap for improvements is £10,000 (or 10% of property value, whichever is lower), replacing the current £3,500 cap for Band E compliance. Note: this requires secondary legislation which has not yet been laid before Parliament.
The cost of non-compliance
What landlords should do now
1. Check your current ratings
Review the EPC rating for every property in your portfolio. Identify any rated D or below that will need improvement.
2. Get professional advice
For properties rated D or below, commission an energy assessor to advise on the most cost-effective improvements. Common upgrades include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, and boiler upgrades.
3. Plan the investment
Budget for the necessary improvements. Some upgrades (such as loft insulation) are relatively inexpensive and can improve a rating by one or two bands. Others (such as external wall insulation) are more costly.
4. Check for exemptions
The MEES regulations include exemptions where the cost of improvements exceeds a cap (currently £3,500 including VAT), where improvements would devalue the property by more than 5%, or where third-party consent (such as planning permission) is refused.
How RightHold helps
RightHold tracks the EPC rating and expiry date for every property. The EPC Planner feature identifies which properties are at risk of falling below the minimum standard and estimates the timeline for compliance. Automated reminders ensure you renew certificates before they expire.