If you’re a landlord in England or Wales, the rules around Energy Performance Certificates are changing. The government’s Warm Homes Plan, published in January 2026, has confirmed new minimum standards, a revised cost cap, and a completely overhauled EPC system on the horizon.
There’s been a lot of back and forth on this over the past few years, so we’ll try to cut through the confusion. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s still being consulted on, and what you should be doing now.
What Has the Government Actually Confirmed?
The headline is this: all privately rented properties in England and Wales will need to meet the equivalent of an EPC C rating by 1 October 2030. This applies to both new and existing tenancies. There’s no separate earlier deadline for new lettings, as was previously proposed.
This has been a long time coming. The original plans to raise the minimum from E to C were first proposed under the Conservative government, then scrapped by Rishi Sunak in September 2023. Labour has now revived the policy through the Warm Homes Plan, but with some notable changes.
Key Changes at a Glance
Here’s what’s been confirmed so far:
The minimum EPC rating for rental properties will rise from E to C, with a single compliance date of 1 October 2030 for all tenancies. The spending cap has been reduced from the previously proposed £15,000 to £10,000 per property, with a further reduction for homes valued under £100,000 (where £10,000 would represent more than 10% of the property’s value).
Fines for non-compliance will increase significantly, from up to £5,000 to up to £30,000 per property. Any qualifying energy efficiency improvements made from October 2025 onwards will count towards the cost cap, so landlords can start spreading costs now.
The government is encouraging a “fabric first” approach, prioritising insulation, windows, and draught-proofing before moving to technologies like solar panels or heat pumps.
How Will EPCs Themselves Change?
The EPC system is getting a major overhaul too. The current single A to G energy efficiency rating will be replaced by four separate headline metrics: fabric performance (how well the building retains heat), heating system efficiency, smart readiness (smart controls and energy storage), and estimated energy cost.
This new system, based on the Home Energy Model (HEM), is expected to launch in late 2026 and will run alongside the current system until 1 October 2029. After that date, all new EPCs will use the new methodology.
A consultation on the details of these new metrics closed in March 2026, and the government is expected to confirm the final framework later this year. This means some specifics, such as exactly where the band boundaries will sit under the new system, are still being finalised.
Will EPCs Still Last 10 Years?
Yes. There was speculation that the validity period would be reduced from 10 years to as little as 5. The government did consult on this, but following industry feedback around costs, it confirmed that EPCs will keep their 10-year validity. It’s worth noting that Scotland is going ahead with a reduction to 5 years as part of its own separate reforms, so this could be revisited in future.
The Transitional Arrangements: Why Timing Matters
This is where it gets important for landlords thinking about when to act.
If your property achieves an EPC C rating before 1 October 2029 under the current assessment system, it will be considered compliant with the new minimum standards until that EPC expires. That’s potentially up to 10 years of compliance from a single certificate.
After 1 October 2029, all new EPCs will use the new HEM methodology. Early indications suggest it may be harder to achieve a C equivalent under the new system, particularly for properties that rely on low-carbon heating but have poor insulation. If your property is close to a C now, getting a new EPC before October 2029 could be a smart move.
What Should Landlords Be Doing Now?
Even though 2030 feels a long way off, there are good reasons to start planning now.
First, check your current EPC rating. If you’re already at a C or above, you’re in a strong position. If you’re at a D, it may only take modest improvements like topping up loft insulation, upgrading heating controls, or switching to LED lighting to push you over the line.
Second, remember that spending from October 2025 counts towards the £10,000 cap. Spreading improvements over the next few years rather than leaving everything until 2029 will help you avoid the rush, inevitable price increases, and shortage of tradespeople.
Third, look into available funding. The Warm Homes: Local Grant offers up to £30,000 for eligible landlords, and schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO may also help offset costs.
What About HMOs, Holiday Lets, and Listed Buildings?
The reforms also extend EPC requirements to previously exempt sectors. HMOs will require a valid EPC for the whole building when any room is rented out. Short-term and holiday lets will need a valid EPC regardless of whether the guest pays energy bills. The exemption for listed buildings is being removed too.
If any of these apply to you, it’s worth getting ahead of the changes rather than waiting for enforcement to catch up.
FAQs: Warm Homes Plan and EPC Rules for Landlords
Q: When do landlords need to reach EPC C?
A: By 1 October 2030 for all tenancies in England and Wales, unless you have a valid registered exemption.
Q: How much will I need to spend?
A: The cost cap is £10,000 per property (lower for homes valued under £100,000). The government estimates the average cost will be around £5,400. Qualifying improvements made from October 2025 count towards the cap.
Q: What if I already have an EPC C?
A: If your property has a valid EPC C before 1 October 2029, you’ll be considered compliant until that certificate expires.
Q: Are EPCs changing to 5-year validity?
A: Not in England and Wales. The government considered this but confirmed EPCs will remain valid for 10 years. Scotland is reducing to 5 years under its own separate reforms.
Q: What happens if I don’t comply?
A: Fines are increasing from up to £5,000 to up to £30,000 per property. You may also be unable to legally let your property.
Get Ahead of the Changes
At EPC247, we’ve been helping landlords, homeowners, and agents across Hull and the Yorkshire and Humber region for over 10 years. We understand the regulations, we know the local housing stock, and we’ll always give you practical, honest advice.
Whether you need a new EPC, want to check your current rating, or would like a data review to find the most cost-effective route to a C, we’re here to help.
Book your EPC assessment today or get in touch for a no-obligation chat about your property.
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