Preparing for the EPC C minimum standard
The direction of travel for privately rented homes in England and Wales is a minimum EPC of C for new tenancies, with all tenancies following later. Planning improvements over several years is far cheaper than a deadline scramble.
4 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
The direction of travel for privately rented homes in England and Wales is a minimum EPC of C for new tenancies, with all tenancies following later. Planning improvements over several years is far cheaper than a deadline scramble.
Read the recommendation report
The EPC recommendation report ranks measures by cost and impact. Loft insulation, cavity fill, heating controls and low-energy lighting usually deliver the cheapest points.
Where properties get stuck
Solid-wall Victorian terraces and older flats with restricted heating options are the hardest cases. Internal wall insulation and heating upgrades are the realistic levers, and both need planning around a void.
Exemptions
Exemptions exist for high cost, wall insulation that would damage the property, and consent refusals. They must be registered with evidence and are time-limited, not permanent.
Sequencing
Do EPC work during voids, bundle it with kitchen or bathroom replacement, and re-lodge the certificate afterwards so the improvement is recorded.
The RentDocs landlord update
Plain-English UK compliance changes, Renters' Rights Act 2025 updates and new guides — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
This guide is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check your local requirements or take advice before acting.