EPC C deadline approaches
New date for EPC Rating on Rented Properties
The previously proposed 2028 deadline for new tenancies has now been removed, meaning all rental properties in England must achieve an EPC rating of C or above by 1 October 2030, unless a valid exemption applies. EPC Rating Change 2030.
For landlords who have followed the policy developments over recent years, the announcement brings much-needed certainty. For others, the timeline may appear generous, but the scale of work required across the sector means early planning will be essential.
How many properties are affected?
The NRLA estimates that around 2.5 million privately rented homes in England currently fall below EPC Band C. With the average rental property still sitting at Band D, many landlords — particularly those with older housing stock — face significant upgrade requirements.
The sector is also expected to face growing pressure on contractor availability, with an estimated shortage of skilled tradespeople by 2030. Acting early could provide landlords with:
- Greater access to trusted contractors and installers
- More flexibility to spread upgrade costs over time
- Potential access to funding schemes before demand increases
What the cost cap means in practice:
The government has confirmed a maximum spending requirement of £10,000 per property, reduced from the previously proposed £15,000 cap. Current government estimates place the average upgrade cost at approximately £5,400, although this varies depending on property type, age, insulation levels, and existing EPC rating.
Research also suggests that a large proportion of landlords expect to invest significantly in improvements, particularly those with older or harder-to-treat homes.
Importantly, any qualifying energy efficiency improvements completed from October 2025 onwards can count towards the £10,000 cap. This allows landlords who have already begun upgrading their properties to offset future compliance costs.
A reduced cap also applies where £10,000 would represent 10% or more of a property’s market value, offering additional protection for lower-value stock.
The exemptions available:
Where a property cannot reasonably achieve Band C after the maximum permitted spend, landlords can apply for a cost cap exemption through the Private Rented Sector Exemptions Register.
Additional exemptions may apply where:
- Insulation works would damage the property structure or fabric
- Improvements would reduce the property’s value by more than 5%
- Required permissions or third-party consents cannot be obtained
- The property is listed or located within a conservation area
A temporary six-month exemption is also available for new landlords who have recently acquired a property and require time to assess improvement works.
The new Home Energy Model
Landlords should also be aware that EPC assessments themselves are changing. From late 2029, the government plans to introduce the new Home Energy Model, which will use updated metrics and may generate different EPC outcomes from the current system.
Any property achieving a valid EPC Band C before October 2029 under the current methodology will remain compliant for 10 years from the date of certification, giving landlords a strong incentive to act before the new framework takes effect.
The government’s preferred approach
The government has confirmed a fabric-first strategy, prioritising measures such as insulation, draught-proofing, and double glazing before considering heating upgrades or renewable technologies.
For many landlords, particularly those with pre-1945 housing stock, this approach is likely to provide the most practical and cost-effective route to compliance while also improving long-term energy performance.
Why planning early matters
The 2030 deadline is now fixed, and the compliance framework is finally clear. What remains entirely within a landlord’s control is how early they begin planning.
Starting sooner allows landlords to avoid last-minute pressures, spread expenditure more effectively, and position their properties competitively within an increasingly regulated rental market.
Talk to our lettings team about planning your EPC compliance strategy!
This article was originally published by BriefYourMarket and is reproduced here with their permission.
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