What is changing

The minimum energy standard for private rented homes in England and Wales is going up. Today a rented home has to reach EPC band E. The government has confirmed that landlords of all tenancies will need to meet a higher standard by 1 October 2030.

The new standard for private rented homes, as confirmed by the government
What the government has confirmed
WhereEngland and Wales
Deadline1 October 2030, for all tenancies
StandardEPC band C or equivalent, measured on new-style certificates
Most a landlord must spend£10,000 per property over 10 years
Estimated average spend£5,400 per property
Who enforces itLocal councils
Maximum fine£30,000 per property per breach
StatusConfirmed policy. The regulations still need Parliament’s approval, and the government aims to have them in force in 2027

Until the new rules apply, the existing minimum of EPC band E stays in place.

How the new standard works

It is measured on new-style Energy Performance Certificates, with two tests:

  • The main test: the building itself. How well the walls, roof, floors and windows keep heat in.
  • The second test: the landlord chooses. Either the heating system, or smart measures such as solar panels.

No one is forced to fit a heat pump

The government response says landlords will in no circumstances be required to replace a working heating system with a heat pump. A landlord can keep the existing heating and meet the second test through smart measures instead.

The £10,000 cap

  • It is the most a landlord has to invest per property, over a 10-year period.
  • The cost of the certificates needed to show compliance counts towards it.
  • If the home still falls short after £10,000, the landlord can register an exemption, valid for 10 years, and carry on letting.
  • For lower-value homes, the cap is £10,000 or 10% of the property’s value, whichever is lower.

Exemptions

The government has said these exemptions will be available. Most cover one measure, not the whole property, so the landlord still fits everything else within the cap.

  • High cost. Even the cheapest recommended improvement would exceed the cap.
  • All improvements made. Nothing further is recommended, and the home is still below the standard.
  • Cost cap. The landlord has spent up to the cap.
  • Property value. The lower cap for low-value homes.
  • Solid wall insulation. The landlord can choose not to fit it, and record that choice.
  • Negative impacts. Evidence that a measure would harm the property.
  • Third-party consent. A tenant, superior landlord or planning authority refuses consent.
  • New landlord. Six months for someone who has just become the landlord of a let home.

If the home already has EPC C

A rented home graded C on the current rating before 1 October 2029 counts as meeting the new standard until that certificate expires. Landlords who act early are not asked to start again straight away.

A home that has not reached C by then needs a new-style certificate before the work, and another afterwards to show it complies.

Funding landlords can use now

  • Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Open to landlords in England and Wales: £7,500 towards an eligible air-to-water or ground source heat pump. Our guide to landlords and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme explains how it works for a let home.
  • Warm Homes: Local Grant. In England, a rented home can be eligible where the household qualifies. One property per landlord can be fully funded, and the landlord pays half from the second. See the Warm Homes: Local Grant page.
  • ECO4. Open until 31 December 2026 for qualifying households, with the landlord’s permission.
  • 0% VAT. On installed insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and batteries until 31 March 2027.
  • Loans. Government-backed Warm Homes Plan loans are being set up, and the scheme refers to privately rented homes. No lender had been named when we checked.

What tenants can do

  • Ask your landlord. Tenants cannot apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The owner’s installer applies.
  • Check the Local Grant. In England, a lower-income household in a rented home can be eligible, with the landlord involved. Tenants do not pay towards the work.
  • Use what you control. If you pay the energy bills, you can request a smart meter and choose your tariff.
  • Know who enforces the rules. Your local council enforces the minimum standard for rented homes.

Social housing is separate

These rules are for private landlords. The government has made separate proposals for social rented homes. Social landlords apply to the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, and tenants do not apply themselves.

Key dates

  • 21 January 2026. The government confirmed the policy.
  • 2027. The date the government aims to have the regulations in force.
  • 1 October 2029. A home at EPC C before this date counts as compliant until that certificate expires.
  • 1 October 2030. All private tenancies are due to meet the new standard.

Warm Home Support is an information and enquiry service, not an installer or a legal adviser. This page explains confirmed government policy. It is not legal advice, and the details can change as the regulations are made.

Check what support could apply to your property

Tell us what heats the property and whether you own it. We will take you to our eligibility check with those answers filled in. It is free, and nothing is sent until you choose to send it.

What currently heats your property?
Are you the property owner?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is applied for by an MCS-certified installer with the property owner’s consent, so a tenant cannot apply on their own. You can still continue — the check explains what to raise with your landlord, and other support that may apply to renters.

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