What is the Minimum EPC Rating for Rental Property UK?

What's the current minimum EPC rating?

E. Any property rated E, D, C, B, or A can be let. Properties rated F or G are below the minimum and cannot legally be rented out without an exemption.

Can I rent with an F or G rating?

Only if you have a valid exemption registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. Without an exemption, letting an F or G rated property is illegal and can result in fines up to £5,000.

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations have been in force since:

• April 2018: For new tenancies and renewals
• April 2020: For all existing tenancies

Available exemptions

If you cannot reach EPC E, you may qualify for an exemption. All exemptions last 5 years and must be registered.

Cost cap exemption (most common)

If reaching EPC E would cost more than £3,500 (including VAT), you can claim this exemption. You must have:

• Made all improvements up to the £3,500 cap
• Evidence of quotes showing further work exceeds budget
• Installed the most cost-effective measures first

All improvements made exemption

If you've made all the improvements listed on your EPC recommendations but still can't reach E, you qualify. This is rare—most properties can reach E with the recommendations.

Third party consent exemption

If you need consent (from leaseholder, planning authority, freeholder, or tenant) to make improvements and consent is refused in writing, you can register this exemption.

Devaluation exemption

If an independent surveyor confirms that proposed improvements would reduce the property's value by more than 5%, you qualify. This is rare and requires formal valuation evidence.

New landlord exemption

If you've just become a landlord (through purchase, inheritance, or gift) and the property is F/G rated, you have 6 months to make improvements or register an exemption.

How to apply for exemption

Register your exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register at gov.uk. You'll need supporting evidence.

Step-by-step process

1. Get a valid EPC showing your current rating
2. Gather evidence for your exemption type (quotes, refusal letters, etc.)
3. Go to gov.uk and search "PRS Exemptions Register"
4. Create an account and register your exemption
5. Upload supporting documents
6. Keep a copy of your registration confirmation

Important notes

• Exemptions last 5 years—then you must improve or re-apply
• Exemption stays with the property, not the landlord
• You cannot let without either meeting minimum E or having a valid exemption
• If you sell, the new owner inherits the exemption status

Future changes: minimum C

The government confirmed on 28 January 2026 that all rental properties must achieve EPC C by 1 October 2030. A cost cap of £10,000 every 10 years applies.

Proposed timeline

• 1 October 2030: Minimum C for all tenancies (confirmed 28 Jan 2026)
• Cost cap: £10,000 maximum spend every 10 years
• Low-value exemption: Properties under £100,000 capped at £10,000 or 10% of value (whichever is lower)

What this means for landlords

• D rated properties: Will need improvements within the next few years
• E rated properties: Significant upgrades likely needed
• C+ rated properties: Already compliant with the 2030 requirement

Why act now?

• Spread costs over several years rather than rushing
• Government grants may be available now but could change
• Higher-rated properties attract better tenants and justify higher rents
• Energy-efficient properties have lower running costs (tenant retention)

Penalties for non-compliance

Local authorities enforce MEES regulations. Penalties are significant and enforcement is increasing.

Current penalties (minimum E breach)

• Up to £2,000: For letting a sub-standard property for less than 3 months
• Up to £4,000: For letting for 3 months or more
• Up to £1,000: For registering false or misleading information on exemption register
• Maximum total: £5,000 per property per breach

Additional consequences

• Breach details published on the PRS Exemptions Register for 12 months
• Potential inability to evict tenants (some councils linking to HMO licences)
• Penalties can be issued up to 18 months after the breach

Cost-effective improvements

Your EPC includes tailored recommendations. These typically offer the best return on investment for improving your rating.

Quick wins (usually under £500)

• LED lighting: Replacing all bulbs with LED can add 1-3 points
• Draught proofing: Windows, doors, letterbox seals
• Hot water tank insulation: If you have a tank
• Heating controls: Programmable thermostat, TRVs on radiators

Medium cost (£500-£2,000)

• Loft insulation: Top up to 270mm, often the single best improvement
• Cavity wall insulation: If walls aren't already insulated
• Double glazing: For single-glazed windows (secondary glazing is cheaper alternative)

Higher cost (£2,000+)

• Solid wall insulation: Internal or external—expensive but effective
• Boiler replacement: If over 15 years old, new condensing boiler helps
• Solar panels: Significant improvement but high upfront cost
• Heat pump: Government grants available via Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Getting quotes

Always get at least 3 quotes. Ask installers specifically about expected EPC improvement—get this in writing before committing.