EPC Compliance Requirements for Landlords

In England and Wales, landlords are legally required to have valid Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for all rental properties, with a minimum rating of E, by 2025. 

Previous plans to elevate this standard to band C by 2025 have been discarded, however, the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) remain applicable. 

Landlords must renew expired EPCs, implement necessary improvements, and register exemptions where compliance is not achievable. Failure to comply can result in civil penalties of up to £5,000 per property.

Upcoming 2025 revisions to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) will raise the legal energy efficiency benchmark and introduce additional compliance requirements for landlords. To steer clear of penalties and legal troubles, all landlords must be ready for these changes.

Current EPC Rules and 2025 Changes

According to the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, all privately rented homes must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or higher. This requirement has been in effect for new lettings and renewals since April 2018, and for all existing tenancies since April 2020.

  • Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let unless a valid exemption is registered.
  • Landlords must ensure an EPC is provided to new and renewing tenants.
  • EPCs must be updated every 10 years or after major energy upgrades.

Properties and Tenancies Covered

EPC regulations apply to most domestic rental properties, including:

  • Assured shorthold tenancies.
  • Regulated tenancies (with limited exceptions).
  • Assured tenancies.
  • Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), where individual agreements apply.
  • Flats and bedsits let individually, where heating or access is separate.

Exclusions may apply to:

  • Holiday lets let for less than four months a year.
  • Some listed buildings, where improvements would unacceptably alter character.
  • Temporary buildings used for less than two years.
  • Buildings intended for demolition (with supporting evidence).

Landlords, it is crucial to understand that even if your property is exempt from EPC requirements, you must register it via the official PRS Exemptions Register. Failure to do so can result in enforcement actions being taken against you.

How to Check EPC Compliance and Prepare

Landlords can check EPC compliance by using our EPC Checker:

  • Check the current rating, certificate expiry date, and whether the property meets or falls below the proposed band C requirement.
  • Commission a new EPC if your current certificate is over nine years old or no longer reflects the building’s current efficiency.
  • Review the Recommendations Report included in the EPC to identify energy-saving upgrades.
  • Prioritise upgrades such as:
    • Loft, cavity wall or solid wall insulation.
    • Double or triple glazing.
    • Installation of modern boilers or low-carbon heating.
    • Smart heating controls/
  • Check if you are eligible for free government funding home upgrades in order to improve your EPC through Consumer Rights. Landlords and rental properties are eligible if they meet qualifying criteria.

Enforcement, Fines, and Exemptions

Failure to comply with EPC regulations can result in civil penalties issued by local authorities. These include:

  • Up to £5,000 per breach under current MEES rules.
  • Higher penalties likely under the 2025 regime (exact figures pending legislation).

Landlords may register a valid exemption if one or more of the following apply:

  • The cost of improvements exceeds the set cap.
  • Third-party consent (e.g. tenant or planning authority) is denied.
  • Improvement measures would negatively impact the structure or value.
  • All reasonable improvements have been made, yet the rating remains below C.

All exemptions must be submitted through the PRS Exemptions Register and must include supporting documentation.