December 30, 2025

Are EPC standards changing in 2026? And how will that affect landlords?

Environmental Performance Certificates (EPCs) rate the energy efficiency and environmental impact of your property. Every landlord needs to supply one to tenants as part of the rental pack to legally let their property.

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Regulations around energy efficiency are being tightened year by year – but what does the future hold for EPCs? And what are the implications for landlords?

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What does an EPC include?

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An EPC displays the energy efficiency metrics of your property. For residential properties, the information is gathered by a physical inspection, and the report produced is a simple document that forms part of your rental pack.

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Landlords are required under the 2018 Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency standard to ensure their properties achieve a minimum E rating. If they don’t achieve this, the EPC will include suggestions about measures which can be taken to improve the rating.

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Only one EPC per property is required, though you will have to ensure it is supplied to each person who rents within a property. For example, if you operate an HMO, each separate party will need to be given the EPC when they move in. An EPC lasts for 10 years and can be created by a local energy assessor or your estate/letting agent in most cases.

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Will EPC requirements change in 2026?

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The government is proposing to change the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the future. The current proposals are:

All new rentals must achieve an EPC rating of C by 2028.
All pre-existing rentals signed before 2028 must achieve EPC C by 2030.

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That means the EPC standards will not change from a landlord’s perspective in 2026. However, that doesn’t mean landlords should forget about EPCs entirely until 2028.

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What will it cost to achieve an EPC rating of C?

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While the law is not changing in 2026, the government proposals have set a very clear timeline for the future. 48% of properties already meet the future standard, but if yours isn’t one of them, the next year is the ideal opportunity to get ahead of the law and ensure your property is compliant.

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Considering the financial aspect of the proposed laws makes it an easy choice to start work in 2026:

The government estimates landlords will have to pay between £6,100 and £6,800 per property to comply with the proposals.
A maximum cap of £15,000 has been set per property, with an affordability exemption which could lower that cap to £10,000 in the right circumstances.
Failure to comply with the legislation could mean a maximum fine of £30,000 per property.

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What are the benefits of upgrading a property to achieve EPC C?

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The financial case to act early is clear, even just based on those numbers, but there are also other benefits that landlords can access by achieving an EPC rating of C sooner. These include:

Higher rents – Tenants will pay more for energy-efficient homes where energy bills are lower.
Fewer void periods – If you offer a future-proofed property, you are more likely to attract stable, long-term tenants.
Lower maintenance bills – Modernised homes renovated to higher standards are likely to need less maintenance over time, saving you money in the future.
Early action costs less – The price of construction materials and work is always increasing. Waiting to upgrade your property only guarantees it will be more expensive.
Peace of mind – When other landlords are panicking ahead of the deadline in 2028, you won’t have to worry.

These are strong, practical incentives for landlords to use 2026 wisely and upgrade properties ahead of the 2028 and 2030 EPC deadlines.

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The easiest way to make sure you are compliant with legislation now and in the future is to appoint a professional lettings and management agent. They will take that burden on for you and also give invaluable peace of mind, along with expert recommendations.

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Contact the Northbank Residential team to learn more about what is required to meet EPC legislation and other regulatory changes in the future.

Arrange a call with our team today.

Contact us today regarding all property management and lettings enquires.

0161 388 7848

contact@northbankresidential.com

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