Guides › Rent and Deposits › EPC Rules for Rented Homes: E Now, C by 2030
EPC Rules for Rented Homes: E Now, C By 2030
Private rented homes must have an EPC rating of at least E. Since 1 April 2018 landlords cannot grant a new tenancy on a home rated F or G, and since 1 April 2020 this applies to all tenancies, unless a valid exemption is registered. The government has said landlords will need to reach EPC C for all tenancies by 1 October 2030, investing up to £10,000 per property, subject to Parliament.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Current Rules
Minimum E
The minimum is EPC band E. Landlords cannot grant or renew a tenancy for an F or G rated home unless improved or an exemption is registered (from 1 April 2018), and the standard applies to all tenancies from 1 April 2020. Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. The cost cap for improvements is £3,500 including VAT. source
Planned Changes
EPC C by 2030
Private landlords of all tenancies will be required to meet EPC C by 1 October 2030, investing up to £10,000 per property, with the maximum fine raised to £30,000 per property per breach. The changes are subject to Parliamentary approval. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 Oct 2030Planned EPC C deadlineSubject to Parliament
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Look up your home's EPC on GOV.UK.
Step 2 of 5
If it is F or G, ask your landlord about improvements or a registered exemption.
Step 3 of 5
Report a non-compliant home to your council.
Step 4 of 5
Keep copies of your EPC and letters.
Step 5 of 5
Ask about energy grants your landlord could use.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Local Council
Housing or environmental health team. It can act on landlord breaches.
Shelter England
Free advice on deposit claims and eviction notices.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on any renting problem.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
A poor rating can mean higher bills: report cold and damp problems too.
England and Wales.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- erewash.gov.uk/housing/privately-rented-homes/legal-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard Checked 15 October 2026
- gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update/outcome/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-government-response-html Checked 15 October 2026
- england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/check_your_tenancy_deposit_is_protected/deposit_not_protected Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026