Updated: 27 September 2026. London landlords are dealing with two different EPC questions at the same time: what is legally required now, and what is changing by 2030. The distinction matters because the current domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) is still EPC E for relevant private rented homes, while the government has announced a future higher standard for 1 October 2030 that still requires implementing legislation.
For a landlord making decisions today, the safest approach is to comply with the current EPC E rules while also using the 2030 policy direction to inform refurbishment, heating and energy-efficiency planning.
EPC requirements for landlords in 2026 at a glance
| Issue | Position in September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Current minimum standard | Relevant private rented homes generally need EPC E or above unless a valid exemption applies. |
| Can an F or G property be let? | Not normally where the domestic MEES rules apply, unless a valid exemption has been registered. |
| Current landlord cost cap | £3,500 including VAT for relevant improvements under the current rules. |
| Future compliance date | Government has decided on a new standard from 1 October 2030. |
| Future standard | Equivalent to EPC C using a new dual-metric approach. |
| Future cost cap | Government response sets a £10,000 cap with a 10-year exemption validity period. |
| Is the 2030 standard already in force? | No. Government still needs legislation and has said it aims to introduce the regulatory changes before 2030. |
What is the current minimum EPC rating for rented homes?
Under the current domestic MEES rules in England and Wales, landlords cannot normally let or continue to let a relevant property with an EPC rating below E unless a valid exemption applies.
Government guidance confirms that since 1 April 2020 the prohibition applies to continuing tenancies as well as new lettings where the property is covered by the regulations.
See the current GOV.UK domestic MEES landlord guidance.
What if the property has an EPC rating of F or G?
If a relevant property is rated F or G, the landlord normally needs to make qualifying energy-efficiency improvements until the property reaches EPC E or until the applicable cost cap has been reached.
Under the current rules, landlords are not generally required to spend more than £3,500 including VAT on relevant improvements. If the property cannot reach EPC E within that framework, a qualifying exemption may be available, but it must be properly registered before it can be relied upon.
The government maintains the Private Rented Sector Exemptions Register for domestic and non-domestic properties.
What is changing for private rented homes by 2030?
In January 2026, the government published its response to the consultation on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes. It confirmed a policy decision to introduce a new higher minimum energy-efficiency standard from 1 October 2030.
The future standard is intended to be equivalent to EPC C but will use a new dual-metric approach. The government’s decision puts fabric performance first, followed by landlord discretion to meet either a heating-system standard or a smart-readiness standard.
The full outcome is available in the government’s 2026 response on privately rented homes.
Is EPC C already legally required for landlords?
No. This is one of the most important points for landlords in 2026.
The government has made policy decisions about the 2030 standard, but the current legal minimum remains EPC E for relevant private rented homes. The government response states that new powers and secondary legislation are needed to implement the future standard.
Landlords should therefore avoid advice that treats “EPC C by 2030” as though the new standard is already the current legal test. It is a future compliance requirement being implemented, not the standard that applies to a letting today.
What is the proposed £10,000 cost cap?
The January 2026 government response decided to raise the future landlord cost cap to £10,000, with a 10-year validity period for exemptions under the new regime.
This is different from the current £3,500 cost cap that applies when improving a property to today’s EPC E minimum. Landlords should not use the future £10,000 figure as though it has already replaced the present rules.
What happens to a property that already has EPC C?
The government response says that private rented homes with a current EPC C can be recognised as compliant under the future standard until that EPC expires, including properties rated C or above against the existing Energy Efficiency Rating on EPCs issued before 1 October 2029.
This gives landlords with already efficient properties some certainty while the EPC methodology and future metrics change.
Do London landlords have different EPC rules?
The core domestic EPC and MEES rules are not London-specific. They apply across England and Wales to properties within scope.
However, London landlords often face additional planning considerations because of property age, conservation constraints, leasehold structures, communal heating systems, local licensing schemes and the cost of works. These factors can affect which improvements are practical and whether third-party consent or other exemptions need to be considered.
When does a landlord need a Domestic EPC?
An EPC is generally required when a qualifying property is built, sold or rented, subject to statutory exemptions. For a landlord, the practical starting point is to check whether the property has a valid EPC and what rating it currently shows before marketing or granting a tenancy.
If the rating is F or G and the MEES regulations apply, the landlord should review the recommendations and the current exemption framework before letting or continuing to let the property.
How should landlords plan for the 2030 change?
- Check the portfolio now. Identify properties rated D, E, F or G rather than waiting until 2030.
- Record EPC expiry dates. Renewal points can be useful opportunities to reassess the property’s energy position.
- Prioritise lower-rated properties. Properties already at C are in a stronger position for the future transition.
- Coordinate with planned works. Insulation, heating upgrades, windows and refurbishment can have EPC implications, so avoid duplicating disruption.
- Keep evidence. Quotes, recommendations, improvement invoices, consent requests and exemption evidence may become important.
- Monitor the legislation. The detailed future requirements will depend on the final statutory framework and new EPC methodology.
What improvements can affect an EPC rating?
The right measures depend on the property. EPC recommendation reports can include options such as insulation, heating-system improvements, hot-water measures, draught proofing, glazing and low-energy lighting.
Landlords should not assume that the most expensive measure is automatically the right first step. The EPC recommendations, building fabric, heating system, leasehold position and any planning or conservation restrictions should all be considered together.
What exemptions can apply under the current rules?
Current domestic MEES guidance includes several exemption routes, including circumstances where all relevant improvements have been made, the cheapest qualifying measure exceeds the cost cap, third-party consent cannot be obtained, particular wall insulation would damage the property, or qualifying devaluation evidence applies.
An exemption is not automatic. The landlord must meet the relevant criteria and register the exemption with the required evidence before relying on it.
Domestic EPC support in London
Primelinks Solutions helps landlords, letting agents and property managers coordinate EPC and energy-performance requirements across London.
- For a residential certificate, see our EPC service.
- Browse our wider EPC services.
- For a broader overview, read our EPC & MEES Guide.
- For commercial properties, see our separate article on MEES changes for commercial landlords in 2026.
- For London coverage, see our London coverage page.
Frequently asked questions
What EPC rating does a rental property need in 2026?
For relevant domestic private rented properties, the current minimum is generally EPC E unless a valid exemption applies.
Do landlords need EPC C now?
No. EPC C is not the current legal minimum. The government has decided on a higher future standard from 1 October 2030, but implementing legislation is still required.
What is the current MEES cost cap for domestic landlords?
The current domestic landlord cost cap is £3,500 including VAT for relevant improvements under the existing EPC E regime.
What will the future landlord cost cap be?
The January 2026 government response decided on a £10,000 cost cap for the future 2030 standard, subject to the implementing legal framework.
Need a Domestic EPC in London?
If you need a residential EPC or want to review the energy-performance position of a London rental property, use Get a Quote and provide the property address, current EPC rating if known, certificate expiry date and any planned improvement works.
This article provides general information and is not legal or energy-assessment advice. Energy-efficiency requirements can change, and the future 2030 standard remains subject to implementation through legislation.