In its Warm Homes Plan, published on 21 January 2026, the government confirmed it will raise the minimum energy efficiency standard for the private rented sector in England and Wales. The headline is straightforward: privately rented homes will need to reach the equivalent of EPC band C by 2030, up from the current minimum of band E.
This is a summary of what has been announced and what it means for landlords. The detail will be set out in regulations expected to be brought forward in 2027, so some specifics may change. Always check the latest official guidance before making decisions about a property.
The Key Points
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard | Equivalent of EPC band C (up from band E) |
| Where | Privately rented homes in England and Wales |
| Deadline | By 2030 (the government has indicated 1 October 2030) |
| Cost cap | Up to £10,000 per property (or 10% of value, if lower) |
| Legislation | Expected to be brought forward in 2027 |
The plan also confirmed a cost cap so landlords are not exposed to unlimited spending: improvement costs are capped at £10,000 per property (or 10% of the property's value if that is lower), with the government estimating a typical spend well below that figure. Spending already made on qualifying improvements (other than fossil-fuel heating) is expected to count towards the cap.
A new generation of EPCs, based on the Home Energy Model, is expected to start replacing the current assessment from late 2026. The headline target is described as a band C equivalent under the updated metrics, so the rating on an older certificate may not map exactly to the new standard.
Where This Sits Alongside Your Existing Duties
EPC band C is the new requirement on the horizon, but it sits on top of the safety obligations landlords already have. None of these go away, and an EPC upgrade does not change them.
Gas safety
An annual gas safety check and a CP12 gas safety record remain a legal requirement where there are gas appliances. See our landlord gas safety guide.
Electrical safety
An EICR is required at least every five years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
What Landlords Can Do Now
2030 sounds a long way off, but works take planning, especially across a portfolio. A few sensible steps:
- Check the current EPC rating and expiry date for each property you let.
- Get a feel for the gap to band C and the likely measures (insulation, heating, glazing).
- Keep records of any improvement spend, since qualifying costs are expected to count towards the cap.
- Keep your safety certificates current and in one place, so compliance evidence is easy to produce at renewal or sale.
If a large number of landlords leave upgrade works to 2029 and 2030, installers and assessors will be in short supply. Properties that already meet band C, or have a clear plan to, will be easier to let and sell.
For the official position, see the government's minimum energy efficiency standard landlord guidance, which is updated as the new rules are confirmed.
Create compliant certificates in minutes
CertBox helps tradespeople produce professional, regulation-compliant certificates on any device.
Start free
Free to start. No card required.
Free weekly trade guides
Regulation updates and practical guides, straight to your inbox every Monday.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Create compliant certificates in minutes
CertBox helps tradespeople produce professional, regulation-compliant certificates on any device.
Start freeFree to start. No card required.
Free weekly trade guides
Regulation updates and practical guides, straight to your inbox every Monday.
Subscribe to the newsletterPublished 2026-07-25. This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always refer to the relevant standards and consult qualified professionals for definitive requirements.