Landlords: FAQs

If you’re selling or renting out a property in the UK, you’ll need to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This legal requirement helps potential buyers or tenants understand the energy efficiency of the home.

An EPC is a compulsory requirement for all rental properties/tenancies and now must also be obtained and completed before a property can be marketed for sale.

By 1 October 2030, landlords must ensure that their rental properties have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C (the current minimum EPC rating for rented properties to meet, is a Band E).

As part of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan, the new legislation from 1 October 2030, will become a mandatory EPC C where a property must have between C69-80 points.

We can help you futureproof your property, for more information on solutions and grants available, see our Futureproof your home section.

You can search via your postcode on the government’s EPC Register.

Yes, there are various exemptions. For example, if the cost of improvements will go over £10,000 incl. VAT; or the improvement would devalue the property; or a tenant does not give permission to have works carried out. A landlord would need to register these exemptions on the PRS Exemptions Register. If obtaining an exemption, it is crucial to have documentation to support the claim. An exemption lasts 10 years, then you must reapply, if necessary.

List of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) exemptions:

• High-Cost Exemption (£10,000 cap): Landlords are not required to spend more than £10,000 on improvements. If the property cannot reach Band C within this budget, an exemption applies.
• Low-Value Property Exemption: For properties valued at under £100,000, landlords may be exempt if the required improvements cost more than 10% of the property's value.
• Solid Wall Insulation Exemption: Landlords can register this if insulating solid walls would negatively impact the building’s structure or cause damp and mould.
• Third-Party Consent Exemption: Applicable if necessary improvements cannot be made because consent (from lenders, tenants, or superior landlords) could not be obtained.
• Property Devaluation Exemption: Valid if a surveyor verifies that installing the recommended energy efficiency measures would reduce the property’s value by 5% or more.
• Newly Registered Landlord: A temporary six-month exemption can be registered for new landlords.
• Listed Buildings/Conservation Areas: While not a blanket exemption, properties are exempt if compliance would unacceptably alter their character or appearance.

This also applies to rented properties. It was introduced under the Housing Act 2004 and ensures a property is free from unacceptable hazards, e.g. adequately heated, without damp and mould, safe electrics, and conforms to fire safety standards. There are no exemptions from complying with this. Compliance is enforced by the local Council and non-compliance can lead to fines of up to £30,000 and criminal prosecution.

Yes. There are plenty of improvements that can be made which would be approved by a conservation officer e.g. loft insulation and heating upgrades. Our guidance on historic buildings gives you some ideas and examples  – see MEES information below.

For more in depth advice, contact our Landlord Liaison Officer on landlords@cep.org.uk or 0800 954 1956.

MEES were introduced in 2015, but from January 2026, they are applicable to all domestic tenancies where a property legally requires an EPC and is let on a qualifying tenancy. It sets a minimum standard of an EPC C (EPC C69-80), which means that properties that score an D, E, F or G on the EPC will no longer be legally lettable from 1 October 2030.

More information can be found on guidance leaflets from Cornwall Council: MEES Guidance leaflet and MEES Guidance leaflet for landlords with historic buildings.