New EPC rules in 2026: what you need to know
- Current minimum EPC rating remains E under MEES
- Proposed increase to minimum C rating by 2030
- Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces new landlord obligations
- Decent Homes Standard expected to include energy efficiency
- Fines for non-compliance reach up to £5,000 per property
The EPC landscape in 2026
The energy performance of rental properties is under more scrutiny than at any point in the past decade. Several pieces of legislation are converging in 2026 that affect how landlords in England and Wales manage their EPC obligations. While the headline rule has not changed — the minimum EPC rating for letting a domestic property remains E — the regulatory direction is firmly towards higher standards, stricter enforcement, and broader tenant protections.
Three developments in particular are shaping the 2026 landscape. First, the government has confirmed its intention to raise the minimum EPC rating to C by 2030 as part of its net zero commitments, though the specific regulations have not yet been finalised. Second, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is being implemented in stages, introducing significant changes to the landlord-tenant relationship. Third, the proposed extension of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector is expected to include energy efficiency as a compliance criterion.
For landlords in London and across England, understanding what has changed, what is confirmed, and what is still under consultation is essential for making sound investment and compliance decisions. This guide sets out the current position clearly, without speculation.
MEES: current rules and proposed changes
The current position: minimum E
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), all privately rented domestic properties in England and Wales must hold a valid EPC showing a rating of E or above before a tenancy can be granted or renewed. This requirement has applied to all tenancies — new and existing — since 1 April 2020. Landlords who let a property rated F or G without a registered MEES exemption face fines of up to £5,000 per property and publication on a public non-compliance register.
The regulations are enforced by local authorities. In London, several boroughs have increased their enforcement activity in recent years, particularly in areas with high concentrations of older, less efficient housing stock. Landlords with properties in boroughs such as Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Southwark should be aware that these councils have been among the more active enforcers of housing standards.
The proposed increase to minimum C by 2030
The government has announced its intention to raise the minimum domestic EPC rating from E to C by 2030. This would represent a significant step-change in the standard required to let a property. According to government estimates, around 55% of privately rented homes in England currently hold an EPC rating below C, meaning that a large proportion of the rental stock would need improvement if the proposal proceeds as announced.
It is important to be clear about the status of this proposal. The intention has been announced, but the specific regulations — including the cost cap for improvements, the exemption framework, transitional arrangements, and the enforcement mechanism — have not yet been confirmed in legislation. The previous government proposed raising the minimum to C by 2025 but formally scrapped that plan in September 2023, citing cost of living concerns. The current government has revived the ambition with a 2030 target, but landlords should not assume the final rules will be identical to earlier proposals until the legislation is published.
What is clear is the direction of travel. Landlords who begin planning and budgeting for improvements now will be in a stronger position than those who wait for the deadline. Properties that are already rated D will typically need relatively modest improvements to reach C, while those rated E or below may require more substantial investment. A current EPC assessment is the best starting point for understanding what work is needed.
The current legal minimum is E. The government has proposed raising this to C by 2030, but the final regulations have not yet been confirmed.
Renters’ Rights Act 2025
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent in 2025 and is being implemented in stages. While the Act does not directly change the minimum EPC rating — that remains governed by the MEES regulations — it introduces several changes that are relevant to landlords managing their EPC obligations.
Key changes under the Act
- Abolition of Section 21: No-fault evictions are being removed. Landlords will only be able to end a tenancy using specified grounds under a reformed Section 8 process. This makes it harder to regain possession of a property for refurbishment works, which increases the importance of keeping properties compliant before a tenancy begins.
- Decent Homes Standard for private rentals: The Act introduces the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time. Previously, this standard applied only to social housing. The specific criteria for the private sector version are still being finalised, but energy efficiency is expected to be included as a component. This could create additional compliance obligations beyond the existing MEES minimum.
- Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman: A new ombudsman service will handle tenant complaints. Landlords will be required to register with the ombudsman, and tenants will have a formal route to escalate issues including property condition and energy efficiency concerns.
- Property Portal: A new digital Property Portal will require landlords to register their properties and demonstrate compliance with key standards. EPC status is expected to be one of the data points captured on the portal, making it easier for enforcement bodies to identify non-compliant properties.
The practical effect of these changes is that landlords face a more structured and transparent regulatory environment. Properties that fall below standards — whether on EPC rating, general condition, or safety — will be easier for tenants and enforcement bodies to identify. The days of letting a sub-standard property and relying on low enforcement activity are coming to an end.
What landlords should do now
Given the regulatory direction, there are several practical steps landlords should take in 2026 to stay ahead of the changes.
- Check your current EPC rating: If your EPC is approaching the end of its 10-year validity, or if you have made improvements since the last assessment, book a new one. An up-to-date certificate gives you an accurate picture of where your property stands and what improvements would have the most impact. You can check your existing rating for free at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.
- Understand the gap to a C rating: If the proposed 2030 minimum of C goes ahead, landlords with properties rated D or below will need to take action. The recommendations section of your EPC lists the specific measures that would improve your rating, along with indicative costs and the estimated score improvement for each measure. This gives you a clear roadmap for planning works.
- Prioritise cost-effective improvements: Not all improvements cost the same or deliver the same impact. Low-cost measures such as loft insulation, LED lighting, draught-proofing, and heating controls can often lift a rating by several points without major expenditure. For properties currently rated D, these improvements may be enough to reach C. For properties rated E or below, a phased approach over the next few years is more manageable than a last-minute rush.
- Budget for larger works if needed: Properties that need double glazing, boiler replacements, or wall insulation to reach a C rating will require more significant capital investment. Starting to budget now — and potentially scheduling works during void periods or alongside other planned maintenance — spreads the cost and avoids a concentrated hit when the deadline approaches.
- Register any valid exemptions: If your property qualifies for a MEES exemption, make sure it is properly registered on the PRS Exemptions Register before the tenancy begins. Exemptions must be supported by evidence and are generally valid for five years. Do not assume that an exemption registered under the current E minimum will automatically apply under a future C minimum — the exemption framework for any new standard is likely to be reviewed as part of the legislation.
- Keep records of all works: Document every improvement you make, including contractor invoices, before-and-after photographs, and updated EPC certificates. If enforcement activity increases under the new Property Portal and Decent Homes Standard, having a clear record of compliance and improvement works will be valuable.
The overarching message is straightforward: treat the current E minimum as a floor, not a ceiling. The regulatory direction is towards higher standards, and landlords who act incrementally over the next few years will face far less disruption than those who wait for a deadline.
How Kubo can help
Whether you need to check your current rating, get an updated certificate, or understand what improvements are needed to prepare for future changes, Kubo is ready to help.
We carry out EPC assessments from £69, with same-day appointments available across London and the surrounding area. Our qualified Domestic Energy Assessors will assess your property, lodge the certificate on the national register within 24 hours, and provide clear recommendations on what measures would be most effective for improving your rating. For landlords with multiple properties, we can coordinate portfolio assessments and help you plan a phased approach to reaching a C rating ahead of any future deadline.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum EPC rating for landlords in 2026?
As of 2026, the minimum EPC rating required to let a domestic property in England and Wales remains E, under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let without a registered exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register. The government has proposed raising this minimum to C by 2030, but the implementation details and exact timeline are still being confirmed.
Will the minimum EPC rating increase to C?
The government has announced its intention to raise the minimum domestic EPC rating to C by 2030 as part of its net zero commitments. However, the specific regulations, cost caps, exemption framework, and enforcement mechanisms for this change are still being developed. The previous proposal to introduce a C minimum by 2025 was scrapped in September 2023. Landlords should plan for a higher standard but the exact requirements have not yet been confirmed in legislation.
Does the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 change EPC requirements?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 does not directly change the minimum EPC rating, which is governed separately by the MEES regulations. However, the Act strengthens tenant protections, removes Section 21 no-fault evictions, and introduces the Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector. Energy efficiency is expected to form part of the Decent Homes Standard criteria, which could create additional compliance obligations for landlords beyond the existing MEES requirements.
What happens if I let a property with an F or G rating?
Letting a property rated F or G without a valid registered exemption is a breach of the MEES regulations. Local authorities can issue fines of up to £5,000 per domestic property and publish the landlord's details on a public non-compliance register for 12 months. Fines can be backdated to the start of the non-compliant tenancy.
How much does an EPC cost in London?
EPC costs in London typically range from £60 to £150 depending on the property size and provider. At Kubo, EPC assessments start from £69 for studios and one to three bedroom properties, with same-day appointments available across London and surrounding areas. The certificate is valid for 10 years once issued.
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