In January 2026 the government confirmed that every privately rented home in England and Wales must reach EPC C by 1 October 2030. Until then, the current minimum of E still applies.
What "C" will mean
The standard will be set on the new EPC metrics. You'll need a C on Fabric Performance, plus a C on either Heating System or Smart Readiness, whichever suits the property. See the new EPC metrics guide.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 Oct 2025 | Spend on qualifying improvements from this date counts towards the cost cap |
| 2027 (target) | Legislation laid; new-format EPCs expected in the second half of 2027 |
| 1 Oct 2029 | Last date to get an EPC C under today's rating and have it count until it expires |
| 1 Oct 2030 | All tenancies, new and existing, must meet the standard |
The cost cap
- You never have to spend more than £10,000 per property, or 10% of its value if that's lower.
- The cap includes VAT and the cost of the before and after EPCs.
- Spend from 1 October 2025 counts. Money spent on fossil-fuel heating doesn't.
- Grants count towards the cap, except the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- If you hit the cap and still aren't at C, you can register an exemption. See exemptions.
The government estimates the average landlord will spend about £5,400.
Penalties
The maximum penalty will rise from £5,000 to £30,000 per property, per breach, including for false information on the exemptions register. Councils will enforce it, using the new private rented sector database. This needs new primary legislation, which the government aims to pass in 2027.
Sources
- Government response: improving the energy performance of privately rented homes (Jan 2026)
- GOV.UK: Reforms to the energy performance of buildings regime (updated Mar 2026)
- GOV.UK: Domestic private rented property minimum standard, landlord guidance
Guidance only, not legal or financial advice.
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