Latest certificate per property where the tenure was recorded as privately rented; our analysis of MHCLG's EPC data (download of September 2026). A home sold with an EPC and let later without a new one is missed, so this is not a count of all rented homes.
EPC requirements for landlords now
- Have a valid EPC before you market and let the property, and give the tenant a copy.
- Minimum band E. F and G properties cannot be let unless an exemption is registered.
- If improvements to reach E would cost more than £3,500 (including VAT), install what you can within that cap and register a "high cost" exemption.
- Penalties now: up to £2,000 (let under 3 months in breach), £4,000 (3 months or more), with a £5,000 overall cap per property.
New EPC rules for landlords from 2030
| Standard | EPC C or equivalent, measured on new EPC metrics (fabric performance, plus heating system or smart readiness) |
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| Deadline | 1 October 2030, for all tenancies in scope |
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| Cost cap | £10,000 per property; homes worth under £100,000: 10% of value. Spend counts from 1 October 2025 |
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| Existing C ratings | Hold an EPC rated C on the current scale before 1 October 2029 to use the grandparenting route |
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| Maximum penalty | £30,000 per breach |
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| Legislation | Expected to come into force in 2027 |
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Source: government response, 21 January 2026. Details depend on the final EPC reform and regulations.
What to do if your rental is below C
- Look up your current certificate and its recommendations.
- If your EPC is old, consider a new assessment: it may reflect work already done.
- Price the recommended measures and keep receipts from 1 October 2025; they count towards the cap.
- If you already have a C on the current scale, keep a valid certificate that shows it before 1 October 2029.
The landlord database asks for your EPC, so sort it before your region's window.
Questions landlords ask
Is an EPC required for a rental property?
Yes. A property let on an assured, regulated or domestic agricultural tenancy must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate, and you must give a copy to the tenant. The landlord database will also ask for it.
What is the minimum EPC rating for a rental property?
Band E now. You cannot grant or continue a tenancy of an F or G rated property unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. The government has confirmed a new standard of EPC C or equivalent for all tenancies by 1 October 2030.
How do I get an EPC certificate?
Book an accredited domestic energy assessor. You can look up an existing certificate, and find assessors, on the GOV.UK “Find an energy certificate” service. A certificate is normally valid for 10 years.
How much does an EPC cost?
There is no government price; assessors set their own fees, so compare quotes. The bigger cost is improvement work: the current cap on required spending is £3,500 (including VAT), rising to £10,000 per property under the 2030 rules.
What are the EPC rules for landlords in 2030?
All private tenancies in scope must meet EPC C or equivalent (on new metrics) by 1 October 2030. Landlords need spend no more than £10,000 per property (or 10% of value for homes under £100,000), counting spend from 1 October 2025. Maximum penalty £30,000. Regulations are expected in 2027.
Sources
EPC statistics: MHCLG Get energy performance of buildings data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Information, not legal advice. Official pages change; follow the source link before you act.