A way to go to hit EPC C? Here are your options

Properties without an EPC C rating - or a valid exemption - will need to pulled from the rental market from October 2030, as part of changes to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). As a result those of you with current Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) ratings below that need to give serious thought to your options. Public affairs officer, Mia Rotaru, looks at what you can do now to prepare. 

The Government has confirmed that EPCs obtained before new MEES rules come into force will remain valid for 10 years. However, if reaching a C under the current system is not feasible for your property, there are still routes to compliance under the new regime.

Wait for the new system, but prepare now

Under the proposed reformed framework, landlords will be required to make fabric-first improvements before deciding whether to meet either the heating system metric or the smart readiness metric.  

We have advised landlords who are capable of achieving an EPC C under the current system to do so, as it may be more cost-effective and provide greater certainty ahead of the transition to the new methodology. 

However, this will not be viable for everyone.

In some cases, the required upgrades may be prohibitively expensive or technically challenging. If that applies to you, waiting for the new system to take effect and retrofitting in line with its requirements could be a sensible option. 

That said, “waiting” does not mean standing still. There are practical steps you can take now: 

• Get ahead on fabric improvements. Any qualifying work carried out from October 2025 will count towards the £10,000 cost cap. As fabric performance will be central to the new regime, taking advantage of void periods now and investing early in insulation, draught-proofing, or glazing improvements could put you in a stronger position later and ease some pressure.   

• Familiarise yourself with the new metrics. Not every property will be suitable for every compliance route. For example, installing solar panels may not be feasible if a property faces north or is shaded by neighbouring buildings or trees. Understanding the heating system and smart readiness metrics now will help you plan realistically and avoid investing in measures that may not deliver compliance.

Consider whether an exemption applies

If, in 2030, after assessing the new system, your property still cannot reasonably achieve an EPC C, you may qualify for an exemption. Many of the existing exemptions will continue under the revised framework, though some changes are worth noting.

• Cost cap exemption Landlords will not be required to spend more than £10,000 per property. If the next cheapest recommended measure would take total spending beyond that threshold, a cost cap exemption may apply. The cap includes eligible works undertaken from October 2025, as well as the cost of obtaining the EPC itself. 
• Property value exemption Following our campaign, the Government confirmed that for properties valued at under £100,000, landlords will not be required to spend more than 10% of the property’s value on improvements. In that case, you won’t have to spend £10,000 per property but 10% of the property’s value towards the cost cap exemption. 
• Solid wall insulation exemption  Where there are legitimate concerns about damp and mould, landlords may be able to rely on a solid wall insulation exemption. This would allow alternative measures to be pursued instead, where appropriate, to meet the required standard. 
• Third-party consent exemption If required improvements depend on the consent of a third party,  such as a superior landlord, mortgage lender or planning authority, and that consent cannot be obtained despite reasonable efforts, an exemption may apply.  

This is also relevant where a tenant’s consent is required. In some cases, improvements cannot be carried out without the tenant’s agreement, particularly where works are intrusive or disruptive. If a tenant refuses consent, and the landlord can demonstrate that reasonable efforts were made to secure agreement, a third-party consent exemption may be available.

Plan ahead to avoid last-minute pressure

For landlords whose properties are currently well below EPC C, the path to compliance may feel uncertain, but the NRLA is here to support you. 

The key is early planning and informed decision-making. Whether you choose to upgrade under the current system or prepare for the new regime, understanding the cost cap, the role of fabric improvements, and the scope of available exemptions will be essential.

More information:

• For more information about  what to do if your property is almost an EPC C, click here. 
• For more information about the proposed changes and the latest government announcements on the Warm Homes plan, the EPC, and MEES, click here.   
• The NRLA’s award-winning Training Academy runs an energy efficiency course giving you all you need to know on energy efficiency and how to access funding. Click here for more information and to book.   
• NRLA partner Domna is a one stop shop, when it comes to helping you improve your properties Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings. For more information click here.    
• Part of the NRLA family, Safe2 is a one-stop-shop for all things compliance, allowing you to organise inspections and order safety certificates, including EPCs, at the click of a button. For more information click here.