There is a huge regulatory shift coming to the UK property sector, and if you’re a landlord, letting agent, or property owner, it’s time you paid attention. There is a proposal in the parliament which states that starting this year, the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirement for rented homes has been changed from an E to a C rating. While this might sound like a simple change and is still some time away, there are many properties that could be affected by this regulatory change.
This regulatory change is a part of the government’s greater plan to achieve its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The rule might not be passed yet, however, it’s inevitable, and it’s time for landlords to take a closer look at their homes’ EPC ratings and make the necessary changes to improve their grade.
If you’re still at a loss about changes to EPC in 2025, we have prepared this guide to help you.
What are the New EPC Regulations for Landlords in 2025?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides details about the energy efficiency of your property. The grading goes from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient property.
There have been changes in RDSAP-10, which was released by the government, changing the way points were calculated. However, many properties still have a long way to go before being more energy efficient.
The government has proposed that from 31 December 2025, all newly rented properties in England and Wales will be required to have an EPC rating of C or above. The current minimum requirement is at E according to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which is a big jump.
According to this new rule, existing rented properties will have until April 2028 to achieve the C EPC rating. Post the final deadline, properties that don’t meet this standard will not be allowed to be rented out.
At the time of writing this, the changes to EPC in 2025 haven’t been passed yet. That said, failing to comply with these regulations could result in penalties of up to £30,000. Since two-thirds of UK homes are currently rated below C, now is the right time for landlords to take preemptive measures to make sure they are working towards improving their ratings.
Will Commercial EPC Regulations Also Change?
The government’s current focus is on domestic rentals, and once the domestic rental changes to EPC in 2025 are implemented, they will shift their attention to commercial EPC regulations. As of right now, non-domestic properties need to meet at least an E rating to be legally rented. However, it might also increase to C if the government wants to ramp up its green initiatives.
As a commercial landlord, it’s a good idea to conduct an EPC assessment to understand where you stand and what changes you can make to improve your ratings.
Why These Changes Matter
The EPC 2025 update could become a market disruptor for landlords and tenants. For landlords, it raises the stakes, as it increases the risk of their property being pulled from the rental market entirely. It’s also a financial concern as energy efficiency upgrades can come with a price tag, forcing landlords to increase rent prices.
For renters who are already paying a considerable percentage of their income on rent, even a slight increase could create havoc for their budget. Due to these upgrade cost concerns, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is still evaluating the bill.
This change could also affect letting agents. With tougher regulations, low-performing properties may exit the market, reducing rental stock and increasing competition among the agents.
How EPC Building Regulations Support the New Goals
The EPC rating system is undergoing changes as well, and the point system might be replaced to give more accurate assessments of real energy use and not just assumed performance. At the same time, updates to EPC building regulations (like Part L) are tightening standards on insulation, ventilation, heating systems, and airtightness.
This means that the properties will be evaluated more stringently, and the upgraded methods of calculation will make it more challenging to rely on surface-level improvements. The key areas of focus might include:
- Air tightness testing and reduced draught leakage.
- Smart heating controls and efficient zoning.
- Renewable technologies like solar panels or air source heat pumps.
- Detailed assessments of walls, roofs, windows, and insulation types.
What Landlords and Owners Should Do Now
We would advise against waiting until there is more progress made on the bill to start working on your rental home. Acting early gives you flexibility, funding access, and time to spread the costs. Here’s how to start:
1. Book a New EPC Assessment
A current assessment will provide you with a detailed breakdown of your current position, along with recommendations on smaller or larger changes you can make.
It takes time for the upgrades to be planned and installed; that’s why it is important to start early. It may also be more challenging and/or expensive to find an assessor closer to the enforcement date. Preparing now avoids panic and premium costs!
2. Focus on Low-cost Improvements
There are major changes to EPC scoring expected in late 2026. That is why it’s good to start with small and smart upgrades. Here are a few ideas along with the points attached to them:
- Loft insulation to 270mm = +10 to 15 points
- Cavity wall insulation = +5 to 10 points
- Hot water cylinder insulation = +1.5 to 2 points
- Switching to LEDs = +1 to 2 points
It’s also important to document everything. Unrecorded upgrades won’t count towards your future EPC.
3. Explore Renewable Energy
Although some upgrades can be expensive, it’s worth weighing up the cost-benefit. Renewable energy, for example, would be a good investment, adding points to your EPC score.
- Solar PV panels (16 panels) = +10 points
- Wind turbines = +7 points
4. Tap into Grants and Government Support
There are several schemes, including Warm Homes: Local Authority Grant (launching in 2025), Energy Company Obligation (ECO), and the Great British Insulation Scheme, that provide landlords with funding. Depending on your eligibility, you may receive up to £15,000 in funding. Properties with D-G ratings and tenants earning less than £36,000 are usually prioritised.
However, landlords must agree not to increase rent after receiving funding and comply with evaluation criteria.
Gio Property Solutions Can Help You Improve Your EPC Ratings
At Gio Property Solutions, we understand that meeting changes to EPC regulations in 2025 can feel overwhelming. We offer a full range of services to help landlords and property owners stay compliant. Our services include accurate EPC assessments, retrofit coordination, and air tightness testing.
We’ll help you prioritise the right changes, access available grants, and prepare your property for long-term efficiency. Contact us today on 07510 060 669 or email us at mark@giopropertysolutions.co.uk.
