EPC C by 2030: does my rental need upgrading?
The government has confirmed that privately rented homes in England and Wales must reach EPC C (or its new equivalent) by 1 October 2030. Check where your property stands and how much you might have to spend.
Check your property
The short answer
- Deadline: 1 October 2030, for all private tenancies in England and Wales.
- Already rated C or above on an EPC issued before 1 October 2029? You'll be treated as compliant until that EPC expires.
- Spending cap: £10,000 per property (less for homes worth under £100,000). Qualifying work done since 1 October 2025 counts.
Plans confirmed January 2026. The detailed regulations are still to be made, so some details could change.
Based on the government's January 2026 response to its consultation on privately rented homes, as reported at the time. The regulations haven't been made yet, so details may change. General information, not legal advice. Checked 11 October 2026.
What's changing
Today, a privately rented home in England or Wales needs an EPC rating of at least E to be let, unless the landlord has registered an exemption. Under the confirmed plans, that rises to the equivalent of C for every private tenancy by 1 October 2030. There's a single deadline: the earlier idea of applying it to new tenancies from 2028 has been dropped.
The new EPC measurements
EPCs are being redesigned so they show more than one score. For the 2030 standard, a property will need to meet a fabric performance standard (how well the building holds heat: insulation, windows and so on) and then either a heating system standard or a smart readiness standard. The landlord can choose which second standard to aim for.
This matters because a home that's a C on today's certificate isn't guaranteed to pass on the new measures. That's why the rule about existing certificates is useful.
If you're already rated C or above
If your property has an EPC of C or better under the current rating, issued before 1 October 2029, it's treated as compliant until that certificate expires (EPCs last 10 years). So if you're on a D now and can reach C before October 2029, getting a new certificate before that date could lock in compliance for up to 10 years.
How much you'll have to spend
| Situation | Most you'd need to spend |
|---|---|
| Most properties | £10,000 |
| Property worth under £100,000 | 10% of its value |
Qualifying work you pay for from 1 October 2025 counts towards the cap. If you've spent the full amount on suitable improvements and still can't reach the standard, you can register an exemption, which lasts 10 years. The government estimates the average cost will be around £5,400.
Frequently asked questions
Is EPC C by 2030 definitely happening?
The government confirmed the policy in January 2026 alongside its Warm Homes Plan. The detailed regulations still need to be made, so some details could change, but the direction is clear and work done from October 2025 already counts towards the cap.
Does it apply to holiday lets?
Short-term and holiday lets aren't included in the 2030 requirement for now. The government has said it will keep this under review.
What's the fine for not complying?
Councils will be able to issue fines of up to £30,000 per property, per breach. Giving false information on the exemptions register can also be penalised.
Should I get a new EPC now?
If your current certificate is a C or above, keep it: it should count until it expires. If you're a D and plan improvements anyway, doing them and getting a new EPC before 1 October 2029 could lock in compliance for up to 10 years. If you're an F or G, you can't legally let the property now without an exemption, so act straight away.
What about Scotland and Northern Ireland?
These plans cover England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland set their own energy rules for rented homes.
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