Landlord outside a rental property with a letting board
Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012; Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

EPC Guide for Landlords

Compliance·Updated June 2026·England

EPC Guide for Landlords

Overview

What this guide covers

This guide explains the EPC requirements for private landlords in England. It covers the current minimum EPC rating (E), how to obtain an EPC, the exemptions register, and the government's proposed increase of the minimum standard to C by 2030.

Who it is for

All private landlords in England letting residential properties.

What this guide does not cover

  • –Commercial EPCs (different regulations)
  • –New build properties (covered by Building Regulations)
  • –Listed buildings (exempt from EPC requirements)

Before you start, you will need:

  • ·Property address
  • ·Access to the property for the assessor
  • ·Any existing EPC reference number (to check validity)

When To Use This Guide

Use this guide when:

  • ✓You are about to let a property and need to check whether a valid EPC is in place
  • ✓Your EPC is due for renewal (valid for 10 years)
  • ✓You want to understand what improvements are needed to reach EPC C
  • ✓You have been notified by a local authority that your property may be below the minimum standard

Do not use this guide if:

  • ✗Your property is listed — listed buildings are exempt from EPC requirements
  • ✗Your property is a holiday let with a licence of less than 4 months per year