EPC C Proposal
Quick answer
Confirmed government policy to raise the minimum EPC rating for rental properties in England from E to C. Confirmed in the January 2026 Warm Homes Plan, the standard applies to all privately rented homes from a single deadline of 1 October 2030 (the earlier "2028 for new tenancies" proposal was scrapped in a U-turn). Landlords should plan upgrades now but verify the detailed rules on GOV.UK.
At a glance
- Current status (2026)
- Confirmed government policy
- Deadline
- 1 October 2030, all privately rented homes
- Minimum target
- EPC C
Full guide
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Open full guideWhy EPC C Proposal matters for landlords
The EPC C requirement is the single biggest capex item on the horizon for UK landlords because upgrading an E-rated house to a C often costs £8,000–£20,000 (insulation, glazing, heating). It is now confirmed government policy — all privately rented homes must reach band C by 1 October 2030 — so the right approach is to book a retrofit assessment now and phase the works against the boiler/glazing replacement cycle. What you must not do is leave it late — the supply chain is already booked out 12–18 months deep.
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Official sources
LetCompliance editorial reviews this entry every quarter against the sources above. Always confirm specific duties with a qualified solicitor or your local council.
Related terms
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
A certificate rating a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Rental properties in England must meet at least an E. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let under MEES. An EPC is valid for 10 years. Maximum fine: £5,000 per property.
Compliance Score
A 0-100 score LetCompliance assigns to each property based on how up-to-date its safety certificates and tenancy documents are. 100 means Gas Safety, EICR, EPC, deposit protection and Right to Rent are all current; the score drops as deadlines approach and is recalculated daily.
Form 6A (Section 21 Notice)
The prescribed form landlords used to serve a Section 21 “no-fault” possession notice in England, until Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026 by the Renters Rights Act 2025. Two months’ minimum notice; it was void if any of the prerequisites (deposit protected within 30 days, valid Gas Safety record, current EPC, How to Rent guide given) was missing. Since 1 May 2026 Form 6A is no longer issuable for new notices and possession is pursued under Section 8 / Form 3A only.
Landlord Database (Private Rented Sector Database)
A national digital register of private landlords and rented properties in England, established under the Renters Rights Act 2025. Every landlord must register and provide property details and proof of compliance (gas, electrical, deposit protection, EPC) before letting. Operated by central government, accessible to local councils and tenants. Failure to register is an offence with civil penalty up to £7,000 per breach, and a court can refuse a possession order under Section 8 if the property or landlord is not registered.
MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)
Regulations requiring rental properties in England and Wales to meet a minimum EPC rating of E. Landlords cannot grant a new tenancy or continue an existing one for an F or G property without a valid exemption. Maximum fine: £5,000 per property.
Move-in Pack (Statutory)
The bundle of documents an English landlord must serve on a new tenant before — or at the very start of — a tenancy. Standard contents: latest Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), latest EICR, current EPC (band E or above), the deposit Prescribed Information, and a written statement of terms within 28 days of the tenancy starting. Only a deposit failure bars a Section 8 possession order (every ground except 7A and 14, and returning the deposit cures it). Missing gas, EICR or EPC carry their own penalties and weigh against the landlord on the discretionary grounds, but they do not bar possession. The GOV.UK How to Rent guide was withdrawn on 1 May 2026 and is no longer served on new tenants.