Current EPC Requirements for Landlords
Under the current rules, all rental properties in England must have a minimum EPC rating of E. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let, and you cannot grant a new tenancy or renew an existing one for an F or G property.
The maximum fine for letting an F or G property is £5,000.
An EPC is valid for 10 years and must be provided to the tenant before the tenancy starts.
What the Government Has Proposed
The government has proposed tightening the minimum EPC requirement to C for rental properties. The proposed timeline has shifted several times:
What landlords should do: Treat an EPC rating of D or below as a near-term issue. Even if the C deadline slips further, properties rated D or E are increasingly difficult to rent at premium rates, and tenants are increasingly aware of energy efficiency.
How to Improve Your EPC Rating
Moving up an EPC band typically requires improvements in:
Insulation (highest impact):
Heating (high impact):
Windows:
Low-cost quick wins:
Tip: Always commission a new EPC after improvements, the assessor may have used assumptions about your property that were incorrect.
Exemptions
If your property genuinely cannot be improved to the minimum standard, you can register a formal exemption with the PRS Exemptions Register.
Valid exemptions include:
Exemptions must be registered and last 5 years (except new tenancy, which lasts 6 months).
LetCompliance EPC Tracking
LetCompliance tracks your EPC expiry date and rating for every property. You'll receive reminders before your EPC expires, and your EPC status contributes to your property's compliance score.
If your property is rated D or below, LetCompliance flags this clearly on the dashboard so you can plan improvement works ahead of any regulatory tightening.
EPC C requirement — what landlords need to know now
Current law (April 2026): You may not let a domestic property if it is rated F or G. The minimum is E. This has been in force since 2018 for new tenancies and 2020 for all tenancies.
Proposed change (EPC C): The government has confirmed an intention to raise the minimum to C, with a proposed deadline of 2028 for all tenancies. This is not yet law — always verify current status at GOV.UK MEES.
What a rating of D or E means in practice:
Priority improvements by property type:
| Property type | Highest impact improvement | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Victorian terrace | Loft insulation + cavity/solid wall | £2,000–£12,000 |
| Flat (leasehold) | Draught-proofing + LED lighting + boiler upgrade | £500–£3,000 |
| Semi-detached | Cavity wall + loft insulation | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Detached | Heat pump or new condensing boiler + insulation | £8,000–£20,000 |
Always get a new EPC assessment after making improvements to capture the rating uplift. An EPC costs £60–£120 and lasts 10 years.
📄 Free PDF — 2026 UK Landlord Compliance Cheat Sheet
Every Gas Safety, EICR, EPC, deposit and Right to Rent deadline on one printable A4 page. Updated for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
- Every UK statutory deadline by document type
- Maximum penalty per breach (HSE, MEES, RtR, deposit)
- What blocks a Section 8 / Form 6A possession claim
- Print-friendly A4 with checkboxes
Frequently asked questions
What EPC rating can I legally let at today in England?
You generally cannot let a domestic property on a new tenancy if it is rated F or G (MEES). EPC E is the usual minimum; proposals to raise the bar to C are still subject to legislation, confirm current law before marketing a let.
Should landlords improve a D-rated property now?
Yes, if budget allows. Loft insulation, efficient heating and draught-proofing often improve the rating and protect you if EPC C rules tighten. Track your EPC expiry so you renew after major works.