EPC rules for landlords in England and exemptions
Last updated 24 Oct 2026
Landlords in England cannot let or continue to let a covered property with an EPC rating below E unless a valid exemption is registered. An EPC is valid for 10 years. This page covers England only.
For Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, see minimum EPC rating by nation.
The current rule
Gov.uk says that since 1 April 2020 landlords "can no longer let or continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E", unless a valid exemption is in place. The rules cover domestic properties let on assured, regulated or domestic agricultural tenancies that legally need an EPC. Source: GOV.UK, minimum energy efficiency standard guidance.
- Gov.uk says landlords are not currently required to spend more than £3,500 (including VAT) on improvements.
- An empty property that is not being let needs no action until it is let again.
Validity and showing the EPC
Gov.uk says an EPC is valid for 10 years and is rated from A (best) to G (worst). It also says the landlord or letting agent must show you the EPC if you are renting. Source: GOV.UK, energy performance certificates.
Exemptions and the PRS Exemptions Register
You register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register, and it applies from the date of registration. Gov.uk gives these durations:
| Exemption | How long it lasts |
|---|---|
| All relevant improvements made, high cost, wall insulation, property devaluation | 5 years |
| Third-party consent (where the tenant refuses) | Until the current tenancy ends or is assigned |
| Recently became a landlord (temporary) | 6 months from the date you became the landlord |
You can end an exemption from your account if the property is improved to E or stops being rented out. The public can search the Register for exempt properties and penalties issued. Source: GOV.UK guidance.
Penalties
A compliance notice can be served up to 12 months after a suspected breach, and a financial penalty up to 18 months after. Maximum penalties are per property and per breach:
| Breach | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Letting a non-compliant property for less than 3 months | £2,000 and/or publication |
| Letting a non-compliant property for 3 months or more | £4,000 and/or publication |
| False or misleading information on the Register | £1,000 and/or publication |
| Not complying with a compliance notice | £2,000 and/or publication |
The total maximum penalty is £5,000 per property. Source: GOV.UK guidance.
What is not yet law: EPC band C
Gov.uk says the government aims for as many privately rented homes as possible to reach EPC band C or equivalent by 2030. Its status is that the government "has committed to look at a long-term trajectory" and is exploring policy design options following the 2026 consultation. It is not a rule you must meet today. Source: GOV.UK guidance.
Track the EPC with Letbook
An EPC lasts 10 years, so the expiry is easy to forget. Letbook is a compliance tracker for landlords: it holds your EPC date for each property in England and emails you before it lapses. Sign up free.
Related guides: gas safety certificate rules and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules.
Sources
- Domestic private rented property minimum energy efficiency standard: landlord guidance, GOV.UK
- Energy performance certificates, GOV.UK
This page is general information, not legal advice.