EPC rules for landlords in 2025

what’s required now, what’s coming next

 

Landlords in England and Wales must not let a property with an EPC below band E unless a valid exemption is registered. That minimum standard, known as MEES, still applies in 2025. GOV.UK

Is EPC C now compulsory?

Not yet. The government ran a fresh consultation from 7 February to 2 May 2025 on raising the minimum to the equivalent of EPC C across the private rented sector by 2030. A final decision has not been enacted into law, so there is no EPC C deadline today, but policy is clearly pointing toward higher standards this decade. GOV.UK+1

What are the penalties if you let below EPC E?

Local authorities can impose financial penalties up to £5,000 per property, depending on the breach and its duration, and may publish details of non-compliance. Repeated breaches can attract further penalties. GOV.UK+1

Exemptions in brief

If you cannot raise a property to E after completing all relevant improvements within the cost cap, or an improvement would damage the building or devalue it, you may be able to register a time-limited exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register. Always keep evidence. GOV.UK

Smart upgrades that lift EPC and rental appeal

Aim for works with strong EPC points and obvious tenant benefits. Start with a fabric-first plan, then tackle heating and controls.

  1. Insulation first
    Top up loft insulation to recommended depths, address cavity walls where suitable, and draught-proof. These are quick wins that reduce bills and improve comfort.

  2. Efficient heating and controls
    Fit smart programmers and thermostatic radiator valves, service the boiler, and explore low-temperature heating curves. Where the property suits it, prepare for a future heat pump by improving fabric and radiators.

  3. Windows, lighting and appliances
    High-performance double glazing, LED lighting and efficient white goods help the EPC and day-to-day running costs.

  4. EPC evidence pack
    Keep invoices, datasheets and photos so your assessor can award all the points you’ve paid for. Re-assess after major upgrades.

Grants and support to reduce costs

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of £7,500 for air-source or ground-source heat pumps, and £5,000 for eligible biomass boilers in England and Wales. The scheme is open through 2027 and administered via accredited installers. GOV.UK+2find-government-grants.service.gov.uk+2

What we recommend for East and South East London landlords

• Do a quick risk audit of your portfolio. Identify any EPC F or G, plus thin-margin E properties in areas like Deptford, Greenwich Peninsula, Canary Wharf, Canada Water and Stratford, then create a two-stage plan: reach E now, design a path to C by 2030 if proposals are adopted. GOV.UK+1
• Prioritise fabric before heating. Insulation and airtightness make any system perform better, especially in older terraces and maisonettes common across SE postcodes.
• Align works with voids. Small upgrades between tenancies shorten downtime and unlock better tenant demand and pricing.
• Document everything. Good records protect you in an inspection and help future valuations. GOV.UK

Bottom line

For 2025, the legal floor is EPC E, with fines up to £5,000 for non-compliance. Policy direction is toward a higher minimum, likely an equivalent of EPC C by 2030, but it is not law yet. Sensible landlords are using today to plan, improve and future-proof while grant funding is available. GOV.UK+3GOV.UK+3GOV.UK+3

Primeland Property can review your current EPCs, plan value for money upgrades, and coordinate works across East and South East London to keep you compliant and competitive. Explore our Landlord Services, book a free valuation, or contact our team to get started. For local insight, see our Area Guides

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