EPC C Deadline for Landlords: What the Government Is Planning and What to Do Now

The Policy Background

The requirement for landlords to improve the energy efficiency of privately rented properties has been a recurring theme in UK housing policy since the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were introduced by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.

The current MEES for private rented properties in England and Wales: since 1 April 2020, landlords may not grant new tenancies for properties with an EPC rating of F or G (unless a valid exemption is registered). Since 1 April 2023, this restriction extends to all existing tenancies — meaning landlords with F or G-rated properties in ongoing tenancies should have either improved the property to at least E, or registered an exemption.

**The proposed uplift to EPC C** represents a substantial further step. The previous Conservative government consulted on requiring all privately rented properties to achieve EPC C by 2025 (new tenancies) and 2028 (all tenancies). This proposal was abandoned in September 2023 when the government dropped most near-term net zero commitments.

The Labour Government's Position (2024–2026)

The Labour government elected in July 2024 has reinstated commitments around EPC C for the private rented sector as part of its broader clean energy and Warm Homes Plan agenda. The consultation on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard proposals published in autumn 2024 set out proposals including:

• EPC C or equivalent as the new minimum standard
• Landlords required to meet the standard by 2030 for new tenancies (with transition provisions)
• A cost cap of £15,000 per property (landlords not required to spend more than this to achieve compliance, with a "unable to improve" exemption pathway if costs exceed this threshold)
• Tightened exemptions criteria compared to the current E-standard framework

**Important caveat:** As of early 2026, the specific regulations implementing an EPC C requirement for the private rented sector have not been enacted as legislation. The policy intent is clear, the consultation has occurred, but the precise implementation dates and final regulations depend on parliamentary process.

What Landlords Should Be Doing Now

Even without confirmed legislation, the direction of travel is unambiguous. Landlords who act now will be in a stronger position regardless of the precise timetable.

**Step 1: Check your current EPC ratings.**

Retrieve the current EPC for each property you let from the EPC Register or via Property Passport UK. Note the rating, the potential rating, and the recommended improvements.

**Step 2: Identify which properties are at risk.**

Properties currently rated D or below will need improvement. The EPC register shows the recommended measures and their estimated costs and rating impact. Properties rated D are close to the threshold; E, F, or G properties require more significant work.

**Step 3: Understand the cost landscape.**

Under the proposed £15,000 cost cap model, properties where the cost of reaching C exceeds this threshold would be eligible for exemption (if the proposal is enacted in this form). However, relying on exemptions carries risk — the exemption criteria and registration processes may change.

**Step 4: Plan improvement works between tenancies.**

Many energy efficiency improvements — cavity wall insulation, loft insulation top-up, boiler replacement — are less disruptive when a property is vacant. Planning works between tenancies minimises disruption to existing tenants and avoids the practical complications of carrying out intrusive works on an occupied property.

**Step 5: Access available funding.**

Landlords whose tenants receive qualifying means-tested benefits may access ECO4 funding for insulation measures at no or reduced cost. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available to landlords for heat pump installations. Check eligibility before committing private capital to improvements that may be partially or fully fundable through government schemes.

The Section 21 Connection

Under current MEES regulations, a landlord in England cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice to regain possession if the property does not have a valid EPC (or if the EPC has not been provided to the tenant at the start of the tenancy). While Section 21 notices are proposed to be abolished under the Renters' Rights Bill (expected to receive Royal Assent in 2025), EPC requirements remain relevant to possession proceedings under the alternative grounds system.

What an Improved EPC Means for Landlords Beyond Compliance

Higher EPC-rated properties attract better tenant demand, support higher rents in some markets, and qualify for green mortgage products that can reduce financing costs. As energy costs remain elevated, tenants increasingly factor energy bills into affordability assessments. The commercial case for improving EPC ratings is independent of the regulatory case.

Property Passport UK displays EPC ratings for properties in England and Wales sourced from the official register, allowing landlords to quickly verify the current status of their portfolio and begin planning improvement works.