EPC Ratings Are Rising – Here’s How to Future‑Proof Your Rental and Cut Bills

Will Pycroft
Nov 26, 2025
5 min read

Energy performance and sustainability are no longer optional in the UK private rented sector. With energy prices high and climate targets tightening, raising your property’s EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating can boost tenant appeal, reduce running costs and protect you against upcoming regulations. If you’re a landlord wondering what the latest rules mean and how to plan ahead, this guide is for you.

Understanding EPCs and the Current Rules

An Energy Performance Certificate is a report card for a building’s efficiency. It rates a property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and provides recommendations to improve performance. Since 2018, private landlords in England and Wales have been legally required to secure an EPC rating of at least ‘E’ before letting or renewing a tenancy landlordstudio.com. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally rented out unless the landlord registers an exemption.

The UK’s Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) enshrine this requirement. They also set a cost cap of £3,500 (including VAT) on mandated improvements—landlords are not expected to spend more than this to meet the minimum rating gov.uk. Exemptions exist where improvements would exceed the cap, would devalue the property, or are impossible due to restrictions (such as listed buildings), but these must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.

Proposed Changes: Moving from ‘E’ to ‘C’

In February 2025, the government published a consultation proposing that all new tenancies must achieve an EPC rating of at least ‘C’ by 2028 and that existing tenancies must meet the same standard by 2030landlordstudio.com. The aim is to support the UK’s net‑zero targets by improving the efficiency of the housing stock.

While the consultation is still underway and no exact timetable has been legislated, landlords should assume that the E➔C upgrade will become mandatory in the next decade. Preparing early will reduce costs and minimise disruption when the requirements arrive.

Why Improving Your EPC Makes Sense

Upgrading your property’s EPC isn’t just about compliance. Landlord Studio’s comprehensive guide notes several benefits:

Lower running costs: Energy‑efficient homes reduce tenants’ utility bills, making the property more attractive landlordstudio.com.
Faster lets and higher rents: A higher EPC rating signals quality; properties with better ratings often let faster and command slightly higher rents landlordstudio.com.
Future‑proofing: Early upgrades spread costs over time and avoid a last‑minute rush when regulations take effect.
Access to grants and incentives: Schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offer grants for heat pumps; green mortgages and local authority grants can reduce upfront costs landlordstudio.com.
Reduced maintenance: Modernising systems (e.g., insulation, boilers) can lead to fewer breakdowns and lower maintenance costs in the long run.

Cost‑Effective Ways to Boost Your EPC

Not all improvements require major renovation. Here are some practical steps from energy‑efficiency experts:

1. Address Insulation

Loft insulation: Installing or topping up loft insulation is one of the most cost‑effective upgrades and often brings a quick improvement in EPC rating.
Cavity wall insulation: Suitable for properties with cavity walls; it reduces heat loss and can be installed by specialists.
Draught‑proofing: Sealing gaps around doors, windows and floorboards is inexpensive but effective.

2. Upgrade Heating Systems

Efficient boilers: Replacing an old gas boiler with a modern condensing boiler can raise your EPC score and cut emissions.
Smart controls: Installing thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), smart thermostats and zoning controls allows better management of heating.
Heat pumps: While more expensive, air‑source or ground‑source heat pumps may be supported by grants and can significantly enhance efficiency.

3. Improve Windows and Doors

Double or triple glazing: Modern glazing reduces heat loss, improves sound insulation and contributes to a higher EPC rating.
Secondary glazing: An alternative for heritage properties where replacing windows is restricted.

4. Enhance Lighting and Appliances

LED bulbs: Switching to LED lighting is inexpensive and cuts energy consumption landlordstudio.com.
Energy‑efficient appliances: Encourage tenants to use A‑rated appliances; landlords providing white goods should consider upgrading ageing equipment.

5. Incorporate Renewable Energy

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels: Generating your own electricity lowers tenants’ bills and improves the EPC. Battery storage can further maximise returns.
Solar thermal systems: These heat water using sunlight and can reduce reliance on gas or electric boilers.

6. Use Professional Assessors

EPC assessments must be performed by accredited domestic energy assessors who consider insulation, heating systems, glazing and other features landlordstudio.com. Booking a preliminary assessment before undertaking works can identify which upgrades will deliver the best return on investment.

Budgeting and Accessing Funding

For many landlords, cost is the biggest hurdle. Here are ways to manage the financial side:

Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Provides grants of up to £5,000–£7,500 to install air‑source or ground‑source heat pumps.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO) schemes: Certain energy suppliers offer funding for insulation and heating upgrades for eligible properties.
Green mortgages: Some lenders offer discounted interest rates for properties with higher EPC ratings or provide additional borrowing specifically for efficiency improvements.
Local authority grants: Councils sometimes run schemes for landlords; check your local authority’s website.

Spreading improvements over several years can also help manage cash flow. Remember, if your property cannot reach an EPC C even after spending up to the cap, you can apply for an exemption—but you must provide evidence and register it landlordstudio.com.

Future‑Proofing: Beyond Compliance

The UK’s drive toward net‑zero means efficiency standards will likely keep rising. Here’s how you can stay ahead:

Plan ahead: Incorporate efficiency measures when undertaking other refurbishments (e.g., replacing floors or roofing).
Stay informed: Monitor government announcements on MEES updates and grant schemes.
Educate tenants: Encourage tenants to adopt energy‑saving behaviours (e.g., using smart thermostats effectively) and provide manuals for any new technology.
Work with professionals: Accredited energy assessors and retrofit coordinators can provide tailored advice for your property type.

Useful Resources and Links

MEES guidance on GOV.UK: An overview of current minimum standards and exemptions gov.uk.
Landlord Studio’s EPC guide: Detailed explanations of the rules, proposed changes and cost‑effective upgrades landlordstudio.comlandlordstudio.com.
Government consultation on raising EPC standards to C: The official document outlining the proposed timeline and rationale landlordstudio.com.
Simple Energy Advice service: A government‑backed resource offering personalised retrofit advice and details of available grants.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) details: Eligibility and application information for heat‑pump grants.

Conclusion

Improving your property’s EPC rating is both a legal requirement and a smart investment. With the government likely to raise the bar to EPC C over the next few years, landlords who act early will benefit from lower running costs, better tenant retention and enhanced asset value. By understanding the rules, planning upgrades and tapping into available funding, you can future‑proof your rental and help the UK meet its sustainability goals.

Stay ahead by incorporating efficiency into your routine maintenance and by keeping up to date with regulatory changes. Your tenants—and your bottom line—will thank you.