EPC New Regulations 2026

A Guide to the New EPC Regulations 2026 (UK) – March 4th 2026

The new EPC Regulations 2026 will reshape property compliance in the UK. Discover the key changes, updated rating system, and what the EPC C requirement means for landlords before 2030.

The UK property sector is preparing for major changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The new EPC Regulations 2026 coming into force will reshape how properties are assessed, marketed, and improved for energy efficiency.

Understanding these changes now will help you stay compliant and avoid costly last-minute upgrades.

 What Is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legally required document that measures the energy efficiency of a property. It provides:

  • An energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient)
  • Estimated energy costs
  • Recommended improvements to enhance performance

EPCs are required when a property is:

  • Built
  • Sold
  • Rented
  • Substantially modified

They remain valid for 10 years.

Why Are EPC Regulations 2026 are Changing?

The current EPC system focuses primarily on estimated fuel costs. However, the government has identified limitations in how this reflects true energy performance and carbon impact.

The 2026 reforms aim to:

  • Improve accuracy and transparency
  • Provide clearer performance data for buyers and tenants
  • Support the UK’s net-zero targets
  • Encourage higher energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector
  • Drive long-term retrofit improvements

The reforms are part of broader changes to the UK’s energy and housing policy framework.

What Will Change in October 2026?

From October 2026, new domestic EPCs will move to a multi-metric format rather than relying on a single headline rating.

The updated EPC will include four core performance indicators:

  1. Energy Cost Rating – Estimated annual running costs
  2. Fabric Performance Rating – Efficiency of walls, roof, windows and insulation
  3. Heating System Rating – Efficiency and carbon intensity of heating systems
  4. Smart Readiness Indicator – Compatibility with smart energy technologies

This shift is designed to provide a more detailed picture of property performance and encourage deeper energy improvements rather than superficial upgrades.

During the transition, the existing Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) will continue to be shown to maintain continuity.

 New Minimum EPC Requirements for Landlords

The most significant change affects landlords in England and Wales.

Current Rule

Rental properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of E.

New Rule (Effective 1 October 2030)

All private rented properties must achieve a minimum standard equivalent to EPC C under the updated system, unless a valid exemption applies.

This represents a substantial tightening of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

Landlords with properties currently rated D, E, F or G should begin planning improvements well before the deadline.

 Implementation Timeline

October 2026:New EPC format introduced with multi-metric ratings.
1 October 2029:Properties that achieve an EPC C under the current system before this date may remain compliant until that certificate expires.
1 October 2030:All private rental properties must meet the new EPC C equivalent standard.

Cost Cap and Exemptions

To balance compliance with affordability, the government has proposed:

  • A £10,000 cost cap per property over a 10-year period
  • Potential lower caps for lower-value properties
  • Exemptions where improvement works are not technically feasible
  • Exemptions if required improvements exceed the spending cap

Landlords must register valid exemptions where applicable.

What Are we doing for our Landlords

  1. We have reviewed current EPC ratings to identify properties rated below C.
  2. Identified where we are aware energy improvements have already been made to the property since the last EPC was carried out
  3. Analysing the improvement areas to identify the ‘low hanging fruit’ fabric upgrades that may be viable – such as loft insulation, energy efficient lighting, heating programmers, cylinder jackets etc.
  4. Consulting the experts we use for advice on individual properties are measures that may be cost effective now
  5. Recommending budget improvements over the next 3–4 years to avoid compliance pressure in 2029–2030