EPC C Deadline Pushed Back: A Win for Landlords

EPC C Plans Update: Government Softens Proposals for Landlords

After months of uncertainty, the Government has confirmed revised plans for improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector — and the latest announcement will come as a relief to many landlords.

While the long-term aim of achieving an EPC rating of C for rented homes remains in place, several of the more punitive elements previously proposed have now been scaled back.

Key changes landlords need to know

The Government has confirmed the following adjustments to its Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) proposals:

• The 2028 deadline for new tenancies has been scrapped
  Landlords will no longer be required to meet EPC C when granting a new tenancy before 2030.
• A single compliance deadline of 1 October 2030
  All rental properties — including those with sitting tenants — must reach EPC C by this date or have a valid exemption registered.
• Spending cap reduced to £10,000 per property
  This is down from the previously proposed £15,000.
• Lower caps for lower-value properties
  Homes valued under £100,000 will have a reduced maximum spend, recognising regional differences in property values.
• Recent improvement works will count
  Any qualifying energy efficiency improvements carried out from October 2025 will be included within the spending cap.
• Low-interest loan support proposed
  The Government has confirmed that funding support for landlords will be made available, though full details are still to follow.

A more realistic timeline

Under the new framework, landlords have until October 2030 to comply, regardless of whether a property is newly let or has a long-standing tenant in place.

This change avoids the risk of properties being removed from the rental market simply because they could not realistically meet the earlier 2028 deadline.

The policy forms part of the Government’s wider Warm Homes Plan, with an emphasis on a “fabric first” approach — prioritising measures such as insulation, glazing, and draught-proofing before more complex or costly upgrades.

EPC validity extended

Another important change relates to EPC certificates themselves:

• NEW EPCs will now be valid for 10 years (previously five)
• Any property achieving EPC C or above before October 2029 will be treated as compliant through to the 2030 deadline

This gives landlords greater certainty and avoids unnecessary repeat assessments.

A significant task still ahead

Despite the concessions, the scale of the challenge should not be underestimated.

Around 2.5 million rental homes in England will still require improvement to reach EPC C, and the construction sector is already facing a well-documented shortage of skilled trades.

Further changes are also expected, with a new consultation underway into how EPCs are calculated. A proposed Home Energy Model could alter how ratings are assessed in the future, although existing EPCs will retain their validity under the current rules until 2030.

What landlords should do now

While 2030 may feel distant, early planning remains sensible. Landlords should:

• Review current EPC ratings across their portfolio
• Keep records of any improvement works carried out
• Consider lower-cost, high-impact measures ahead of future inspections
• Factor EPC requirements into refurbishment and acquisition decisions

At Beecroft Estates, we’ll continue to keep landlords updated as further guidance, funding details, and EPC methodology changes are confirmed.

If you’d like advice on EPCs, compliance planning, or preparing a property for future standards, our team is happy to help.