Landlords Must Achieve EPC Rating C by October 2030
The government has confirmed that all privately rented properties in England and Wales must meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating of C by October 2030. Currently, 52% of rental properties fall below this standard.
The UK government has formally confirmed that properties let out by private landlords in England and Wales will need a minimum Energy Performance Certificate Rating of C by October 2030. This represents a tightening from the current minimum standard of EPC E, and will require widespread upgrades across the private rental sector.
The Scale of the Challenge
52% of PRS properties are currently rated below C, meaning hundreds of thousands of landlords face potential upgrade costs. The government proposed a £15,000 cap for upgrades, though Goodlord data revealed that 45% of landlords would only be willing to spend up to £2,000 per property. The government has since confirmed a £10,000 cost cap exemption for properties where upgrade costs exceed that threshold.
Key Dates and Changes
An initial period from the end of 2026 will allow landlords to choose between two EPC calculation methods, though only one will be available from 1 October 2029. The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump, and following April 2026 amendments, air-to-air heat pumps are now eligible too.
For expats and foreigners renting in the UK, these rules may eventually limit availability of cheaper properties, as landlords either upgrade their stock or exit the market. If you let out a UK property as an overseas landlord, early planning is essential: non-compliant properties face local authority enforcement action and penalties. Tenants, meanwhile, should benefit from improved heating efficiency and lower energy bills over time.
Sources
MyHAbroad is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any government or public authority. This is general information only — not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Always verify with the official source before acting:
