New EPC Rules for UK Landlords: What Changes by 2030
The government confirmed on 21 January 2026 exactly when UK landlords will need to hit a higher energy efficiency bar — and over half of rental properties currently don't meet it.
This Banke guide covers what's confirmed and what to plan for.
The Confirmed Deadline
From 1 October 2030, private rented properties in England and Wales must hit a minimum EPC rating of C for all tenancies, up from the current minimum of E, unless a valid exemption applies.
What's Still True Today
As of 2026, the legal minimum remains an EPC E — nothing changes immediately for existing tenancies. But 52% of privately rented properties currently sit below a C rating, so the gap many landlords need to close is significant, and leaving upgrades to the last year before 2030 risks a contractor and materials squeeze.
What It Will Cost
The government estimates average upgrade costs of £6,100–£6,800 per property to reach a C rating, with a £10,000 cost cap for landlords who can demonstrate they can't reasonably do it more cheaply.
The EPC Measurement Itself Is Changing Too
Separately, the EPC system itself is being overhauled to measure how well a property retains heat rather than how much energy it uses — the new methodology becomes compulsory for EPCs from 1 October 2029, just ahead of the rental compliance deadline.
What Overseas Landlords Should Do Now
Get a current EPC assessment on any UK rental property you own and treat sub-C ratings as a known future cost when budgeting, rather than a surprise closer to 2030.
Talk to Banke
Contact Banke to check a property's current EPC rating and what it would take to reach a C.