Finance Editor, Kael Tripton Ltd - LBS MBA - Verified against FCA Handbook: 14 June 2026
Quick answer
MEES Regulations require landlords in England and Wales to have a minimum E EPC rating for all rented domestic properties. As of June 2026, the minimum remains E -- the proposed upgrade to C was scrapped in September 2023. EPCs are valid for 10 years. Penalties for non-compliance are up to PS5,000. Exemptions are available for high-cost improvements.
What Are the EPC Regulations for Landlords and What Is the Minimum Rating?
Direct answer
What is the minimum EPC rating for rented property in 2026?
The minimum EPC rating for privately rented domestic properties remains E as of June 2026, under the MEES Regulations 2015. The proposed upgrade to a minimum C rating was scrapped in September 2023. Properties rated F or G cannot be let. EPCs are valid for 10 years. Penalties for non-compliance are up to PS5,000 per property.
Commission an EPC from an accredited assessor
EPCs must be produced by an accredited domestic energy assessor. Find an accredited assessor at the EPC register: epcregister.com.
Check the current EPC rating on the register
Search epcregister.com for the property address. EPCs are publicly accessible. If the rating is F or G, improvements are required before letting.
Identify improvement measures to reach E rating
Common measures: loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, low-energy lighting, heating controls. Use the recommendations on the existing EPC as a starting point.
Apply for third-party funding if available
The Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 may fund improvements for eligible properties. Check simpleenergyadvice.org.uk.
Register an exemption if applicable
If you cannot reach an E rating due to high cost or property-specific reasons, register the exemption at the PRS Exemptions Register before letting.
| EPC rating | Can be let? | Action required | Penalty risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-E | Yes -- compliant | Maintain valid EPC | None if EPC current |
| F | No -- since April 2018 | Improve to E or register exemption | Up to PS5,000 |
| G | No -- since April 2018 | Improve to E or register exemption | Up to PS5,000 |
| F or G with exemption | Yes -- exemption registered | Register on PRS Exemptions Register | None if exemption valid |
Related KT guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the EPC regulations for landlords?
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations require landlords to obtain a valid EPC before letting a property. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations (Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property)(England and Wales) Regulations 2015) prohibit landlords from letting domestic properties with an EPC rating below E to new tenants from April 2018, and to all tenants from April 2020. As of June 2026, the government has confirmed that the proposed upgrade to a minimum C rating (originally planned for 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for all tenancies) has been scrapped.
What is the minimum EPC rating for rented property in 2026?
As of June 2026, the minimum EPC rating for privately rented domestic properties in England and Wales remains E, as set by the MEES Regulations 2015. The government scrapped the previously proposed upgrade to a minimum C rating in September 2023. Landlords with properties rated F or G cannot let them to new tenants (since April 2018) or any tenants (since April 2020) unless an exemption applies.
What exemptions exist to MEES regulations?
Exemptions to the MEES minimum E rating requirement include: high cost exemption (where the cost of improvements exceeds PS3,500, including third-party funding); all improvements made exemption (where all relevant energy efficiency improvements have been made but the property still cannot reach an E rating); property devaluation exemption (where a qualified surveyor certifies improvements would reduce the market value by more than 5%); and temporary exemption for new landlords (6 months from the date they became the landlord). Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
How long is an EPC valid for?
An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. A new EPC is required when the existing certificate expires and the property is being let or sold. If significant energy efficiency improvements are made during the 10-year validity period, a new EPC can be commissioned to reflect the improved rating. For lettings, the EPC must be current at the start of each new tenancy.
What are the penalties for letting without a valid EPC?
Local authorities can issue a financial penalty to landlords who let properties without a valid EPC or in breach of the MEES minimum E rating requirement. The penalty for letting without a valid EPC is up to PS5,000. The penalty for letting a domestic property in breach of MEES (F or G rated) is up to PS5,000 per property. Local authorities can also serve compliance notices requiring the landlord to demonstrate compliance within 28 days.
Primary sources
Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office under registration number ZC135439.
