The Government has formally confirmed that all privately rented properties must achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 1 October 2030, unless a valid exemption is registered.
Importantly, this requirement will apply to all rental homes, including those with existing tenants as well as new lettings.
Part of the Warm Homes Plan
The announcement forms part of the Government’s wider Warm Homes Plan, which places emphasis on a “fabric first” approach to improving energy efficiency. This means priority will be given to practical measures such as:
- Improved insulation
- Upgraded windows and doors
- Reducing heat loss before installing new technologies
The aim is to make homes warmer, more efficient, and cheaper to run, while reducing carbon emissions across the private rented sector.
Revised Cost Cap and More Realistic Expectations
Following consultation with the industry, the Government has revised its earlier proposals. The previously suggested £15,000 per-property spending requirement has now been reduced to a £10,000 cap, with lower caps applying to properties valued below £100,000.
All qualifying energy efficiency improvements carried out from October 2025 onwards will count towards this cap, giving landlords greater flexibility and time to plan works strategically.
Single Compliance Deadline Confirmed
The Government has also removed the proposed 2028 compliance deadline for new tenancies, aligning all rental properties to a single 2030 deadline. This change has been welcomed across the sector, providing clarity and consistency for landlords managing both existing and future tenancies.
To support compliance, Ministers have confirmed that low-interest loan funding will be made available to assist landlords with the cost of required improvements.
Industry Response
The changes have been welcomed by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, commented:
“We have long supported the need to improve the energy efficiency of the rental housing stock. However, the government’s initial proposals were simply unrealistic and had no hope of being delivered within the timescales originally set out.
The government has clearly listened to our pragmatic proposals to improve its plans, and we look forward to working with it to ensure its ambitions work in practice.”
What This Means for Landlords
While the direction of travel remains clear – EPC C is the long-term goal – the revised deadlines and cost caps provide landlords with greater certainty, flexibility, and time to prepare.
At Adkins Property, we are actively advising landlords on regulation changes. If you have any questions about EPC’s or regulation generally, our team is always happy to help.
Adkins Property – moving you every step of the way.
