Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have been a legal requirement for rental properties since 2008, but the rules are tightening. This guide explains the current requirements, the proposed changes, and what letting agents need to do to keep their landlords compliant.
What are the current EPC requirements?
All privately rented properties in England must have a valid EPC with a rating of E or above before they can be let. The EPC must be provided to prospective tenants before they sign the tenancy agreement. EPCs are valid for 10 years, but a new EPC is required if significant energy efficiency improvements are made to the property. Properties that do not meet the minimum E rating are subject to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations and cannot legally be let.
What changes are proposed?
The government has proposed raising the minimum EPC rating for new tenancies to C by 2028, with all tenancies (including existing ones) required to meet the C standard by 2030. These proposals are subject to consultation and legislation, and the timelines have shifted several times. However, the direction of travel is clear — agents and landlords who have properties currently rated D or E should be planning improvement works now, as the cost and disruption of retrofitting will only increase as the deadlines approach.
What should letting agents do?
Agents should audit their portfolio for properties with EPC ratings of D or below and proactively advise those landlords of the proposed changes. This is both a compliance obligation and a commercial opportunity — landlords who are informed and supported by their agent are more likely to remain loyal clients. Get Rent Ready includes an EPC Advisory Summary in our monthly compliance pack, which flags any properties approaching the proposed minimum standard and provides guidance on improvement options.
Need an EPC assessment for a property?
Book a domestic EPC assessment online. Assessors are available across England and Wales, with reports typically delivered within 24 hours.
Landlord insurance and EPC compliance
Some landlord insurance policies include conditions around EPC compliance — specifically, that the property must meet the minimum legal standard. Agents should remind landlords to check their policy terms and ensure their EPC is current and valid. A lapsed or invalid EPC can affect the validity of a landlord insurance claim.
Landlord insurance for your clients
AXA landlord insurance covers buildings, contents, and liability. Policies can be arranged online and include optional rent guarantee cover.