New EPC metrics
Four metrics replace one score. Two of them decide compliance.
From October 2026 EPCs show fabric performance, heating system, smart readiness and energy cost. Here's what each means for a rented home.
Short answer
From October 2026 EPCs show several headline metrics instead of one A–G score. For the 2030 rented-home standard, a property must meet the fabric performance metric plus either the heating system metric or the smart readiness metric. The energy cost rating stays on the certificate for information only.
The metrics
What each metric measures.
Required
Fabric performance
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
Choose this or smart
Heating system
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
Choose this or heating
Smart readiness
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
Information only
Energy cost
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 compliance test
Fabric, plus one of the other two.
Every rented home must meet the fabric performance standard, or spend up to the cap trying.
Then meet either the heating system standard or the smart readiness standard: your choice.
Still shown on the certificate for tenants, but it does not decide compliance on new-style EPCs.
EPCs rated C issued before 1 October 2029 are expected to count until they expire.
Questions
Common questions
When do new-style EPCs start?
The multi-metric EPC format starts from October 2026.
Do I need a new EPC?
Old-style EPCs rated C or above issued before 1 October 2029 are expected to count until they expire. Otherwise you will need a new-style EPC to prove compliance.
Which metric matters most?
Fabric performance. It is required, and cap spending must go on fabric measures before heating or smart measures.
Sources
- Warm Homes Plan (GOV.UK, January 2026)
- Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard (GOV.UK)
Checked 18 September 2026. Regulations can change: always confirm on GOV.UK.
Know your number before you spend a penny.
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