Important Update: EPC Changes & New Rental Property Standards

We wanted to keep you in the loop about some significant changes coming to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and rental property standards. The government has just released details that will affect landlords across England, and we think it's important you understand what's ahead.

October 2030 is now the confirmed deadline for all private rental properties to meet new energy efficiency standards.

This is actually good news in one respect - the government has dropped the earlier proposed interim deadline of 2028 for new tenancies. You now have a single, clear target date to work towards.

The government is reforming how EPCs work. Instead of the current single A-G rating, new-style EPCs will eventually show four separate metrics:

• Energy cost

• Fabric performance (insulation, windows, etc.)

• Heating system efficiency

• Smart readiness

The idea is to give everyone - landlords, tenants, and homeowners - clearer information about where improvements can make the biggest difference.

Important: When these new EPCs are introduced, your existing certificates will remain valid until the end of their 10-year life. You won't need to rush out and get a new one immediately.

Here's something that matters for your planning: the maximum you'll be expected to spend to meet the new standards has been reduced from £15,000 to £10,000.

There's also a safeguard - if £10,000 represents 10% or more of your property's value, the cap will be lower.

Any energy efficiency work you've done since October last year will count towards this cap, so if you've already made improvements, you're ahead of the game.

The government's "Warm Homes Plan" includes several support options:

• Continuation of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants

• Low and zero-interest loans for solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps

• Targeted support for low-income households

We're still waiting for full details on how landlords can access these schemes, but it's worth noting they exist.

We know this might feel like yet another regulation to navigate, but there's a silver lining. With a clear 2030 deadline and a defined spending cap, you can actually plan properly.

Properties with better energy efficiency tend to:

• Attract tenants more easily

• Command slightly higher rents

• Have lower void periods

• Require less tenant turnover

The government is also working with landlord groups to make sure the final regulations are workable, which suggests they're at least trying to be realistic about what's achievable.

Don't panic, but don't ignore it either. Here's our honest advice:

1. Check your current EPCs - Know where each property stands now

2. Start planning - You have time, but properties with lower ratings may need more work

3. Consider improvements gradually - Spread costs over time rather than facing a big bill in 2029

4. Keep receipts - Any energy efficiency work from October 2025 onwards counts towards your cap

5. Talk to us - We're here to help you think through your options

We're keeping a close eye on the detailed regulations as they're finalised. The government has promised more information later this year, particularly around how the loan schemes will work and what the exact standards will be.

As soon as we have clearer details, we'll be in touch. In the meantime, if you want to discuss your specific properties or have questions about what this means for you, just give us a call or drop us an email.

Yes, it's another change. But with over four years until the deadline and support available, this is manageable. The key is not to leave it until 2029 and then face a rush.

We're in this with you, and we'll help you navigate these changes in the most practical, cost-effective way possible.