The UK government has confirmed that private landlords must achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C for their rental properties by 2030. This regulation aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower tenant energy bills.

While the change aligns with the UK’s broader climate goals, it presents significant challenges for landlords who must now prepare for costly property upgrades.

Key Details of the EPC C Requirement

New Tenancies: From 2028, any newly let property must have an EPC rating of C or higher.

Existing Tenancies: By 2030, all rental properties must comply with the EPC C standard, regardless of tenancy start date.

Financial Impact on Landlords

The estimated cost per property to meet the EPC C standard ranges from £6,100 to £6,800.

A spending cap of £15,000 is proposed, allowing landlords who invest this amount but still fall short of EPC C to apply for a 10-year exemption.

An affordability exemption (capped at £10,000) is under consideration for landlords in lower-rent areas.

How Landlords Can Improve Energy Efficiency

To comply with the EPC C requirement, landlords may need to make upgrades such as:

  • Loft and cavity wall insulation
  • Double glazing
  • Energy-efficient heating systems
  • Solar panels and smart meters

No Letting Go’s Take: A Necessary Step, But a Costly One

At No Letting Go, we support measures to improve housing quality and energy efficiency, but we understand this regulation will be challenging for many landlords. The government must provide clearer financial support options to ensure compliance is realistic and affordable, particularly for small landlords.

One of the biggest concerns is enforcement. If compliance is inconsistently monitored, it could penalise responsible landlords while allowing others to bypass the rules. Additionally, landlords may struggle to find tradespeople to complete the necessary work within the timeframe, given the increasing demand for energy efficiency improvements.

For landlords, planning ahead is key. The worst scenario is waiting until the last minute when costs could be higher, and services may be harder to secure.

How No Letting Go Can Help

1. Property Assessments & Energy Compliance Checks
Our mid-term property visits can identify early signs of damp, heating inefficiencies, and insulation issues, helping landlords proactively plan for EPC upgrades.

Learn more about mid-term visits

2. Protecting Your Investment with Accurate Reporting
With the increased costs of compliance, it’s vital to ensure your property condition is well-documented to avoid disputes. Our detailed inventory reports and check-out reports provide landlords with evidence for tenant responsibilities and property condition assessments.

Explore our inventory services

3. Future-Proofing Your Property Portfolio
By keeping up with inspections and documenting all property improvements, landlords can increase their property’s value, appeal to environmentally conscious tenants, and avoid last-minute compliance stress.

Final Thoughts

While the EPC C requirement is a step in the right direction for sustainability, it brings significant financial and logistical challenges for landlords. Acting now will help spread the costs and ensure compliance before the 2028 and 2030 deadlines.

At No Letting Go, we’re here to help landlords stay compliant, protect their investments, and make the right decisions for their rental properties.

Need support with inspections or property documentation? Contact us today!

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