EPC Rules for Landlords in England

Under the minimum energy efficiency standard, a privately rented home generally needs an EPC rating of E or above. You cannot let a property rated F or G unless a valid exemption is registered.

The EPC must be valid, and you must give tenants a copy.

Some properties cannot reach an E rating at a reasonable cost, or need consent that has been refused. An exemption must be registered on the government's exemptions register before you rely on it.

Most exemptions last five years, after which the position must be reviewed.

Councils can issue civil penalties for letting a property that does not meet the standard. They can also publish details of the breach.

Penalties depend on the breach and how long it lasted.

The government has proposed raising the minimum standard for rented homes, with a target of a C rating by 2030. Check GOV.UK for the confirmed rules and dates before planning work around them.

If improvements are needed, plan them early. Insulation and heating upgrades can take time to arrange.

Each improvement you make, such as insulation, new windows or a new heating system, may affect a future EPC. Logging the work on Propvio, with the installer's certificate, gives the assessor and future tenants the evidence.

• Loft and cavity wall insulation.
• Better heating controls, such as room thermostats and radiator valves.
• A more efficient boiler, or a heat pump.
• Double or secondary glazing.

Your EPC report lists recommended improvements for that specific property, with an indication of how each would change the rating. Start there before getting quotes.