EPC C by October 2030: Proposed, Not Yet Law
The band C standard is a government proposal, not law. Here is where it stands, what would change if it is legislated, and what actually binds you today.
Quick Facts
On 21 January 2026 the government published its response alongside the Warm Homes Plan, setting out an intention to raise the minimum EPC for rented homes in England and Wales to band C from 1 October 2030. That is a stated intention, not a rule. Government must first take new powers through an Act of Parliament, then lay a statutory instrument amending the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. The target is for the new rules to be in force during 2027.
The distinction matters because it decides what you owe and when. The minimum in force is band E and has been since 1 April 2020. Band D is legal to let. If your property is D or E, you are compliant and you are not late for anything. A near-identical band C plan was dropped in September 2023 without a repeal, because it had never become law in the first place.
None of that makes the proposal safe to ignore. It makes it something to plan for on your own timetable, on the back of a boiler replacement or a void period, rather than something to panic-buy against a date that could still move.
What the Proposal Would Mean
If the band C standard is legislated as described, letting a property below band C from 1 October 2030 would become a breach, whenever the tenancy began. The proposal drops the phasing used in 2018 and 2020, so there would be no waiting for a tenancy to end. Until an Act and then a statutory instrument have passed, none of that applies.
Whichever band applies, the certificate itself has to hold up:
- The EPC must not have expired. EPCs run for 10 years from assessment. An expired certificate is a problem today, not in 2030.
- The rating must be E or above. A score of 39 or more. Under the proposal that bar would move to 69, which is a jump of 30 points for a property sitting at the current floor.
- Or a valid exemption is registered. On the PRS Exemptions Register, before you let. An unregistered exemption is worth nothing.
Which Properties Are Affected?
The regulations apply to privately rented residential properties in England and Wales that are let under certain tenancy types. The scope is broad and covers most standard rental arrangements.
Properties In Scope
- Properties let on Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)
- Properties let on assured tenancies
- Regulated tenancies
- Domestic agricultural tenancies
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Properties Potentially Exempt
- Listed buildings where improvements would unacceptably alter character
- Properties not legally required to have an EPC
- Holiday lets used for fewer than 4 months per year
- Temporary buildings (under 2 years planned use)
Timeline
Two of these dates have happened. The rest depend on Parliament.
RdSAP 10 Launched
New EPC assessment methodology now in use. Existing EPCs remain valid until expiry.
Government response published
Alongside the Warm Homes Plan, government announced its intention to require EPC C and to raise the cost cap to £10,000. The announcement happened. The rule did not: nothing in it amended the 2015 Regulations.
Legislation, if it comes
Government needs an Act of Parliament to take the powers, then a statutory instrument amending the 2015 Regulations. It has said it wants that in force during 2027. Nothing has been laid. Until it is, there is no band C duty and no new penalty.
Proposed spend clock
Under the proposal, money already spent on qualifying improvements from 1 October 2025 would count towards the new cap. That is a reason to keep invoices, not a reason to start spending.
Proposed start date
The date the band C minimum would take effect if it is legislated in the form announced.
What Non-Compliance Actually Costs
There is no penalty for a band D or E property, because there is no band C duty. These are the maximum penalties in force for letting below band E without a registered exemption. Local authorities issue them without going to court.
Penalties in force today
£5,000 is a ceiling on the total for one property, not a figure per breach. The proposal would lift it to £30,000, and no revised tier breakdown has been published. That change is not law.
There are also practical consequences beyond formal penalties:
- Mortgage implications. Some lenders may refuse to lend on non-compliant properties or require evidence of a compliance plan.
- Sale complications. Non-compliant properties may be harder to sell, particularly to other landlords, and may attract lower offers.
- Insurance concerns. Some landlord insurance policies may have clauses relating to regulatory compliance.
What Is Worth Doing Now
Steps 1 and 2 cost you nothing and are worth doing whatever happens to the proposal. Steps 3 to 5 are about knowing your number, not committing to spend it. If you are below band E, skip straight to fixing that, because it is the only part with a fine attached today.
Check Your Current EPC Ratings
Visit the government's EPC register to find your current ratings. Note the certificate date, current rating, potential rating after improvements, and recommended measures.
Find your EPC on GOV.UKAssess the Gap
Determine how far your property is from EPC C. A property at D (score 65) is much easier to improve than one at E (score 45). Look at your EPC's improvement recommendations.
Estimate Improvement Costs
Use our calculator to get a realistic estimate based on your property type, current rating, and location. This helps you budget and plan.
Check Funding Options
Explore ECO4, Warm Homes: Local Grant, and other funding sources. You may be able to get improvements fully or partially funded, especially if your tenants receive certain benefits.
Explore funding optionsCreate Your Compliance Plan
Decide when to make improvements (between tenancies is often easiest), prioritise properties, and set a budget. If you have multiple properties, plan which to tackle first.
Common Questions
What if my EPC expires before October 2030?
You will need to get a new EPC. If you have made improvements since your last assessment, the new EPC may show a better rating. Remember that EPCs are valid for 10 years, so an assessment in 2025 would be valid until 2035.
Can I wait until RdSAP 10 before getting assessed?
RdSAP 10 is already in use (launched June 2025). If your current EPC is recent and valid, there is no need to rush a new assessment. If you need a new EPC anyway, it will automatically be calculated using RdSAP 10.
What if I cannot afford the improvements?
Against the standard in force, the cost cap is £3,500 including VAT. If spending up to that still leaves the property below band E, you can register a cost cap exemption. Band C is not a requirement, so nothing obliges you to spend towards it yet. The proposal would raise the cap to £10,000, and grant funding may cover part of the work either way.
What happens if I am planning to sell before 2030?
If you sell with a tenant in place, the buyer inherits the compliance obligation. Non-compliant properties may attract lower offers from landlord buyers. If selling vacant, the regulations do not apply to owner-occupied homes, but EPC rating still affects buyer interest and value.
Does this apply to Scotland and Northern Ireland?
No. These regulations apply to England and Wales only. Scotland has separate energy efficiency requirements, and Northern Ireland has its own regulations. This guide covers England and Wales.
Find out what band C would cost you
Knowing the number is free and useful whether or not the proposal is legislated. Cost the upgrades, see what your property type typically needs, then decide on your own timetable.
Related Guides
MEES Regulations Complete Guide
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards framework in full, and how it applies to your properties.
Cost Cap and Exemptions Guide
Understand when you might qualify for an exemption and how the cost cap works in practice.