The 2030 rules
EPC C by 1 October 2030. Here's everything that changes.
Confirmed in the Warm Homes Plan on 21 January 2026. One deadline for every tenancy, a bigger cost cap, longer exemptions and much bigger fines.
Until band C becomes the law
Old-style C window closes in — days
Short answer
Privately rented homes in England and Wales must meet EPC band C by 1 October 2030, for new and existing tenancies. Landlords must spend up to £10,000 per property (10% of value if the home is worth under £100,000), spending from 1 October 2025 counts, exemptions last 10 years and fines reach £30,000 per property.
At a glance
Six things every landlord needs to know.
One deadline for all tenancies. The earlier 2028 date for new tenancies has been dropped.
Up from £3,500, including VAT. For homes worth under £100,000 it is 10% of the property's value.
Qualifying spend from this date counts toward the cap. Keep the invoices.
Cap spend goes on fabric improvements before heating or smart measures.
Exemptions last 10 years, up from 5, and more types are available.
Maximum fine per property, per breach, up from £5,000.
New EPCs
Compliance is measured differently from October 2026.
New-style EPCs replace the single A–G score with several headline metrics.
How well the walls, roof, floor, windows and doors keep heat in. This is the primary test and the first place your money must go.
- Loft and cavity wall insulation
- Suspended timber floor insulation
- Draught-proofing and better glazing
- Solid wall insulation where it is safe
How efficiently and cleanly the property is heated. Heat pumps and efficient, well-controlled systems score best.
- Air or ground source heat pump
- Heating controls and TRVs
- Efficient hot water
- Moving off direct electric or old storage heaters
How well the home can use cheap, clean energy at the right time. It rewards technology that shifts or stores demand.
- Smart meter
- Solar PV
- Battery storage
- Smart controls and time-of-use-ready heating
The familiar A–G rating based on running costs. Tenants still see it, but on new-style EPCs it does not decide compliance.
- Shown on the certificate
- Useful for marketing
- Does not decide 2030 compliance on new EPCs
The early-bird rule
An old-style C issued before October 2029 can protect you for years.
Why getting a C now could matter
Under the confirmed approach, EPCs rated C or above on the current scale and issued before 1 October 2029 are expected to count as compliant until they expire. EPCs last 10 years.
If your home is a high D, a few cheap measures and a fresh EPC could secure compliance well beyond 2030. Check the final regulations on GOV.UK before relying on this.
Enforcement
What happens if you don't comply.
Local councils enforce MEES. They can ask for evidence, serve compliance notices and issue fines.
| Breach | New regime (from 2030) | Current E rules |
|---|---|---|
| Letting below the minimum standard | Up to £30,000 per property, per breach | Up to £4,000 for existing breaches under the current E rules |
| False or misleading exemption entry | Separate penalty on top | Up to £1,000 plus publication |
| Ignoring a compliance notice | Council enforcement action | Up to £2,000 plus publication |
| Publication penalty | Your name and breach on a public register | Minimum 12 months |
Who's in scope
Does this apply to you?
Assured shorthold, assured and regulated tenancies in England and Wales, including most HMOs.
Holiday and short-term lets, lodgers in your home and properties not legally required to have an EPC.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own regimes. Commercial property follows non-domestic MEES.
Questions
Common questions
Is EPC C by 2030 confirmed?
Yes. The government confirmed the 1 October 2030 deadline in the Warm Homes Plan on 21 January 2026. Check GOV.UK for the final regulations.
Does it apply to existing tenancies?
Yes. The earlier plan for a 2028 new-tenancy date was dropped. One deadline, 1 October 2030, applies to all tenancies.
Can I spend less than £10,000?
Yes. The cap is the most you must spend. If cheaper measures get you to C, you are compliant.
Sources
- Warm Homes Plan (GOV.UK, January 2026)
- Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard (GOV.UK)
- PRS Exemptions Register
Checked 18 September 2026. Regulations can change: always confirm on GOV.UK.
Know your number before you spend a penny.
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