The UK government continues to focus on improving the energy efficiency of the housing stock, and proposed changes to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) could have significant implications for landlords over the coming years.
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If you own rental property in London or elsewhere in England, understanding the potential direction of EPC regulations can help you plan improvements, manage costs and avoid last-minute compliance pressures.
While future legislation remains subject to consultation, government policy discussions have frequently centred around increasing minimum EPC standards for privately rented properties.
This guide explains the current position, what changes have been proposed and what landlords can do now to prepare.
Founded in 2015 by Jino Jose, EPCRATE provides Domestic EPCs for landlords, Commercial EPCs, Floor Plans and Draft EPC Reviews across London.
Current EPC Rules for Landlords (2026)
At the time of writing, privately rented properties in England are generally required to meet the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Our MEES guide for London landlords covers the current position in more detail.
In many situations this means:
- A valid EPC must be available where required.
- Rental properties generally need an EPC rating of E or above unless a valid exemption applies.
- Landlords should maintain compliance with current MEES regulations.
- Penalties may apply for non-compliance.
Landlords should always review the latest government guidance as requirements can change over time.
What Changes Have Been Proposed for 2028?
Although final legislation has not yet been confirmed, government consultations and policy discussions have frequently considered increasing minimum EPC requirements for privately rented homes.
One commonly discussed proposal has been:
Increasing the minimum EPC requirement from Band E to Band C for many rented properties.
If introduced, this could mean that some properties currently rated D, E, F or G may require improvements before meeting future requirements.
However, landlords should note that the exact implementation timetable, exemptions, cost caps and compliance requirements remain subject to future government decisions.
Why Are EPC Standards Being Reviewed?
Several factors are driving discussions around future EPC standards:
- Improving energy efficiency.
- Reducing carbon emissions.
- Lowering household energy consumption.
- Supporting wider environmental objectives.
- Improving housing quality.
Future policy decisions will seek to balance these objectives with the practical realities faced by landlords and property owners.
Which Properties Could Be Most Affected?
Properties that may require the greatest level of review include:
- Older solid-wall properties.
- Victorian and Edwardian housing stock.
- Properties with limited insulation.
- Buildings with older heating systems.
- Properties currently rated D, E, F or G.
Many London boroughs contain large numbers of period properties that may require careful planning if future standards become more demanding.
How Much Could EPC Improvements Cost?
The cost of energy efficiency improvements varies significantly depending on the property, its construction and its existing energy performance.
Examples may include:
| Improvement Type | Indicative Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic efficiency improvements | £500–£1,500 |
| Moderate upgrade works | £1,500–£5,000 |
| Major refurbishment projects | £5,000+ |
These figures are indicative only. Actual costs vary significantly depending on the property and no improvement measure guarantees a specific EPC outcome. For more detail, see our guide to EPC improvement costs in London.
What Landlords Should Do Now
1. Check Your Current EPC
The first step is understanding your current position.
If your EPC is approaching expiry or improvements have been completed since it was issued, a new assessment may provide a more up-to-date reflection of the property’s energy performance.
2. Review Supporting Evidence
Many property owners underestimate the importance of supporting documentation.
Useful records may include:
- FENSA certificates.
- Building Control approvals.
- Insulation certificates.
- MCS certificates.
- Manufacturer specifications.
Suitable evidence may help qualifying features be appropriately reflected where assessment methodologies and conventions allow. For concealed measures such as floor or internal wall insulation, documentary evidence is typically needed — usually Building Control sign-off, or builder documentation and architect’s drawings with invoices as supporting backup. See our guide to what evidence can improve EPC accuracy.
3. Plan Improvements Early
Landlords who spread improvements over time may find budgeting and project management easier than attempting large-scale works shortly before compliance deadlines. Our guide on improving EPC ratings without overspending covers cost-effective options.
4. Focus on High-Impact Improvements
Depending on the property, improvements may include:
- Loft insulation.
- Cavity wall insulation.
- Heating system upgrades.
- Heating controls.
- Double glazing.
- Renewable technologies.
The effectiveness of any improvement depends on the property and its existing characteristics. If you are considering a heat pump, note that its efficiency is only accurately reflected in an EPC where the specific model is listed for selection in the assessment software — see our guide to heat pumps and EPC ratings.
How a Draft EPC Review Can Help
Many landlords are understandably concerned about spending money on improvements without fully understanding how those works may interact with the EPC methodology.
EPCRATE’s Draft EPC Review service helps landlords better understand their property’s current position before committing significant expenditure.
A Draft EPC review can help:
- Review current energy performance.
- Identify available supporting evidence.
- Explore potential improvement pathways.
- Support budgeting decisions.
- Assist long-term planning.
However, a Draft EPC review does not guarantee a future EPC rating, compliance outcome or improvement result.
Benefits of Acting Early
- Better long-term budgeting.
- Reduced risk of future compliance issues.
- Improved understanding of property performance.
- Potentially easier project planning.
- More time to gather supporting evidence.
Risks of Delaying Action
If future EPC standards become more demanding, landlords who delay planning may face:
- Tighter compliance deadlines.
- Higher contractor demand.
- Increased upgrade costs.
- Reduced flexibility when planning works.
While future legislation remains uncertain, many landlords prefer to understand their current position sooner rather than later. Landlords managing several properties can use our bulk EPC services to baseline a whole portfolio efficiently.
Why Choose EPCRATE?
- Founded in 2015 by Jino Jose, DEA accredited.
- NDEA-accredited assessors for commercial properties.
- ★★★★★ Trustpilot Reviews.
- ★★★★★ Google Reviews.
- Coverage across all London boroughs.
- Draft EPC Review Service available.
- Domestic and Commercial EPC specialists.
- EPC & Floor Plan Bundles available.
- Greater London Energy Efficiency Awards – Commended 2024.
- Greater London Energy Efficiency Awards – Highly Commended 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are EPC rules definitely changing in 2028?
No. Future requirements remain subject to government consultation and legislation. Landlords should monitor official updates and seek professional advice where appropriate.
Will all landlords need an EPC rating of C?
Various proposals have discussed a minimum EPC rating of C for rented properties, but the final requirements, implementation dates and exemptions have not yet been fully confirmed.
Can landlords obtain exemptions?
Certain exemptions may be available in specific circumstances, subject to the applicable regulations and evidence requirements.
Should I wait until the rules are confirmed?
Many landlords prefer to review their current EPC position early so they can plan improvements and budgeting more effectively.
Can a Draft EPC help me prepare?
Yes. Many landlords use Draft EPC Reviews to better understand their property’s current position before making investment decisions.
Final Thoughts
Potential EPC changes represent more than a compliance issue. They may influence property management strategies, refurbishment planning and long-term investment decisions.
Landlords who understand their current EPC position and plan ahead are often better placed to respond to future regulatory changes.
If you are unsure about your property’s current rating or future improvement options, a Draft EPC Review can help provide a clearer picture before significant expenditure is committed.
EPCRATE provides EPC assessments across all 32 London boroughs — next-day appointments from £59, with urgent same-day inspections from £90 (certificate issued on site) subject to availability.
Call 020 3488 4142 to discuss your property, or book your EPC assessment or Draft EPC Review online.
Written by Jino Jose
DEA Accredited Energy Assessor · EPCRATE, London · Founded 2015
Jino Jose is the founder of EPCRATE and an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). He has carried out thousands of EPC assessments across all 32 London boroughs since 2015, with NDEA-accredited assessors at EPCRATE covering commercial properties.
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