Landlord guide · Energy performance
EPC minimum rating for rental property
Today the legal minimum is an EPC rating of E. You can't let, or keep letting, a property rated F or G unless you have registered a valid exemption.
The short version
The E rule has applied to all lets since 1 April 2020. An EPC is valid for 10 years, and you must have one before you market a property to rent.
The government has confirmed a higher standard: every private tenancy must meet EPC C or equivalent by 1 October 2030. The regulations still need Parliament's approval.
If your property is rated F or G
Before a new tenancy, improve the rating to E or register an exemption. If a tenant is already living there, you must do one or the other straight away.
You aren't currently required to spend more than £3,500, including VAT, on energy efficiency improvements.
What changes by 1 October 2030
The government response, published in January 2026, sets out the plan:
- One compliance date for all tenancies, 1 October 2030, with no earlier date for new ones
- A spending cap of £10,000 per property, up from £3,500
- A home rated C or above on an EPC issued before 1 October 2029 counts as compliant until that EPC expires or is replaced
- Fines of up to £30,000 per property, per breach
Exemptions
There are six exemption types, including the high cost and all relevant improvements made exemptions. You register an exemption on the public PRS Exemptions Register. Most last 5 years, and then you must try again to improve the rating.
Penalties today
- Letting a non-compliant property for under 3 months: up to £2,000
- For 3 months or more: up to £4,000
- Total per property and breach: capped at £5,000
A council can also issue a publication penalty, alongside a fine or instead of one.
What Redilet does and doesn't do
Redilet's free checker reads your EPC and flags the rating and expiry date for each property. It can't assess improvements or register an exemption for you.
Official sources
- Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard, landlord guidance (GOV.UK)
- Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: government response (GOV.UK)
- Energy Performance Certificates (GOV.UK)
- Register your rental property service: guidance for landlords (GOV.UK)
Checked on 5 November 2026. Check them before you act. This page is researched information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an EPC to register my property?
The register asks for evidence of an Energy Performance Certificate, so have the current one to hand.
Will rented homes have to be rated C by 2030?
Yes, under the government's confirmed plan: by 1 October 2030 for every tenancy. The regulations still need Parliament's approval, so check GOV.UK before you plan works.