EPC Requirements for Rental Properties: Ratings and Rules

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates your property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). For landlords, the EPC isn't just an information document — it's a legal gateway. Without a valid EPC at the right rating, you cannot legally let your property.

This guide covers the current rules, the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES), available exemptions, and what changes may be coming.

The basics: what is an EPC?

An EPC is produced by an accredited domestic energy assessor who visits the property and evaluates:

Wall insulation
Loft insulation
Window glazing
Heating system type and efficiency
Hot water system
Lighting
Renewable energy (solar panels, heat pumps, etc.)

The result is a rating from A to G and a numerical score from 1 to 100. The certificate also includes recommendations for improvements and estimated costs.

EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date of issue and are registered on the national EPC Register.

Current minimum EPC rating for letting

Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations, which have been in force since April 2018:

You cannot grant a new tenancy if the property has an EPC rating below E
Since April 2020, this applies to all existing tenancies too — not just new lets
This means no rental property in England or Wales should currently be let with an F or G rating

If your property has an F or G rating, you must improve it to at least an E before letting it — unless you qualify for an exemption.

MEES regulations explained

MEES stands for Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. The regulations are set out in The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.

Who do MEES apply to?

All private landlords in England and Wales
Properties let on an assured tenancy, regulated tenancy, or domestic agricultural tenancy
Both new and existing tenancies

What happens if you don't comply?

Local authorities (usually trading standards) enforce MEES. Penalties depend on the length of non-compliance:

Breach	Penalty
Letting a sub-standard property for less than 3 months	Up to £2,000
Letting a sub-standard property for 3 months or more	Up to £4,000
Registering false information on the PRS Exemptions Register	Up to £1,000
Failing to comply with a compliance notice	Up to £2,000

The maximum penalty for a single property is £5,000 (combined). Penalties are per property, not per landlord — so multiple non-compliant properties mean multiple fines.

The local authority can also publish details of the breach, including the landlord's name.

When do you need an EPC?

You need a valid EPC:

Before you market the property for rent (the rating must be shown on listings)
When a new tenancy is granted (a copy must be provided to the tenant)
Throughout the tenancy (the EPC should remain valid; get a new one before it expires)

Estate agents and letting agents are legally required to show the EPC rating on property listings. If you self-manage, you should do the same on any advertising.

What if your property is rated F or G?

If your property currently has an F or G EPC rating, you have two options:

Option 1: Improve the property

Common improvements and their typical impact:

Improvement	Typical cost	EPC impact
Loft insulation (270mm)	£300–£600	+5 to +15 points
Cavity wall insulation	£500–£1,500	+10 to +20 points
Draught-proofing	£100–£300	+2 to +5 points
New condensing boiler	£2,000–£4,000	+10 to +20 points
Double glazing	£3,000–£7,000	+5 to +10 points
LED lighting	£50–£200	+1 to +5 points
Smart heating controls	£200–£500	+2 to +5 points
Solar PV panels	£4,000–£8,000	+10 to +20 points

Start with the recommendations on your current EPC — they're listed in order of cost-effectiveness.

Option 2: Register an exemption

If you've made all reasonable improvements and the property still can't reach an E rating, or if specific circumstances apply, you may be able to register an exemption.

Available exemptions

Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register and are valid for 5 years. You must re-register (and re-justify) after 5 years.

"All improvements made" exemption

If you've made all cost-effective improvements listed in the Green Deal Advice Report and the property still can't reach E, you can register this exemption. Requirements:

You must have a Green Deal Advice Report (or equivalent energy assessment)
You must have installed all recommended measures that meet the "golden rule" (measures that pay for themselves through energy savings over their lifetime)
The property still can't reach an E rating after these improvements

Consent exemption

If you need the consent of a third party (tenant, superior landlord, planning authority, mortgage lender) to make improvements and consent has been refused, you can register this exemption.

Devaluation exemption

If an independent surveyor provides written evidence that the required improvements would reduce the property's market value by more than 5%, you can register this exemption.

Wall insulation exemption

If an approved installer advises that cavity, internal, or external wall insulation would damage the property, you can register this exemption. This is most common for listed buildings and properties with non-standard construction.

New landlord exemption (temporary)

If you've recently become a landlord through inheritance or purchase with sitting tenants, you have a 6-month temporary exemption to bring the property up to standard.

Proposed changes: the move to a C rating

Not yet law. Everything in this section describes proposals that have been consulted on but not enacted. The current legal minimum remains E. Do not confuse these proposals with your existing obligations.

The government has previously consulted on raising the minimum EPC rating from E to C. The most recent proposals suggested:

New tenancies would need a minimum C rating from 2025 (this deadline has passed without implementation)
All tenancies would need a minimum C rating by 2028

As of February 2026, these changes have not been enacted and no legislation has been laid before Parliament. The government has indicated that reforms to the EPC methodology itself are a priority before tightening the minimum rating. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 does not address EPC minimum ratings directly.

What should landlords do now? The legal minimum is E, and you must comply with that now. But if your property is rated D or E, it is worth planning improvements. The cost of retrofitting increases when you're forced to act on a deadline, and properties rated C or above are more attractive to tenants and command higher rents.

Getting a new EPC

If your EPC is expiring or you've made improvements and want a better rating:

Find an accredited domestic energy assessor at gov.uk/get-new-energy-certificate
They'll visit the property (takes about 45–60 minutes)
Cost: typically £60–£120
The new EPC is registered on the national register and valid for 10 years

Tips for a better rating

Have evidence of insulation — if the assessor can't see it (e.g., cavity wall insulation), they may assume the worst. Have installation certificates or receipts available.
Upgrade before the assessment — even small changes (LED lighting, smart thermostat) can shift the rating.
Check the current EPC recommendations — they tell you exactly what will improve your score.

How to check your current EPC

You can look up any property's EPC for free at the EPC Register. Search by postcode to see the current rating, the certificate date, and when it expires.

How DueProper will help

DueProper will track your EPC expiry dates and current ratings. Get reminders before your EPC expires or before regulatory deadlines, and store your certificates as compliance evidence.

Coming soon — join the waitlist for early access.

Check your compliance score for free →