EPC rules for landlords

Updated 21 October 2026. Checked against official sources.

You can't let a home in England with an Energy Performance Certificate rated below E unless you've registered a valid exemption. The government has confirmed it wants to raise that to C by 1 October 2030, but that isn't law yet.

Minimum rating now: E, for new and existing tenancies.
How long an EPC lasts: 10 years.
Give tenants: Make it available free to anyone thinking of renting, as early as possible, and give a copy to whoever becomes the tenant.
Exemptions: Registered on the government's PRS Exemptions Register. Most last 5 years; the exemption for someone who has just become a landlord lasts 6 months.
If you don't: Up to £5,000 per property for letting below the minimum, plus £200 for not providing an EPC at all.

The plan for EPC C

In its response published on 21 January 2026, the government confirmed it intends to:

raise the minimum to the equivalent of EPC C, with one compliance date of 1 October 2030 for all tenancies
cap what a landlord must spend at £10,000 per property
raise the maximum penalty to £30,000

It needs new powers from Parliament and then regulations, which the government aims to bring into force in 2027. Until then, E remains the legal minimum. A home with an EPC of C or better obtained before 1 October 2029 counts as compliant until that EPC expires, so a fresh certificate in good time may be worth considering if your home is close to C.

What to do now

Check your current rating and expiry date on the government's EPC register.
If it's below E, improve it or register an exemption before you let it.
If it's E or D, start planning for C: the 1 October 2030 date is a long way off, but improvement work takes time to arrange.
Keep your landlord register entry current. You'll give EPC details when you register each property.

Get reminded before your EPC expires

We're building a simple tracker that reminds you before each property's gas, electrical and EPC certificates, licences and register renewal expire. Join the list and we'll email you once, when it opens. See what it does.

Questions landlords ask

What is the minimum EPC rating for a rental property?

E, unless a valid exemption is registered. The government plans to raise it to C by 1 October 2030, but that still needs legislation.

Is EPC C required for rentals by 2025 or 2028?

No. Earlier proposals suggested earlier dates, but the government's January 2026 response set a single date of 1 October 2030, and it isn't law yet.

How long is an EPC valid for?

10 years.

What is the fine for letting a property with an F or G rating?

Up to £5,000 per property, depending on how long it has been let in breach.

Do I need to give my tenant a copy of the EPC?

Yes. It must be available free to prospective tenants and given to the person who becomes the tenant. Not providing one can mean a £200 penalty.

Official sources

Rules checked against GOV.UK, HSE and legislation.gov.uk on 21 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. How this site works.