Property Search 
Report maintenance EPC Update: What’s Been Confirmed for 2030
The regulations governing Energy Performance Certificates have recently been clarified, and enough specifics are now available to merit a closer look at what’s actually changing. Below, we outline what’s been confirmed, what it means for your property, and some steps to consider.
What’s Been Confirmed
From 1 October 2030, most privately rented homes will need to reach the equivalent of EPC Band C. This applies to all tenancies from a single date, rather than the phased approach (new tenancies first, then existing ones) that was originally proposed. If your property already holds a valid EPC C before 1 October 2029, it will generally be treated as compliant until that certificate expires.
The bigger change is how compliance will actually be measured. Rather than one overall rating, landlords will need to meet a dual-metric standard: a Fabric Performance metric covering insulation, windows and airtightness, plus a second metric of their choosing, either Heating System or Smart Readiness. In practice, the fabric of the property has to be addressed first, before heating upgrades or smart technology can count towards compliance.
Why This Matters for Your Property
A lot of Bristol’s older terraces, converted flats and solid-wall properties currently sit within EPC Bands D and E. The good news is that the improvements which move a property from D to C are often more straightforward than landlords expect:
- Loft and wall insulation
- Upgraded glazing and draught-proofing
- Heating controls and boiler upgrades
- LED lighting throughout
Most of this can be carried out with tenants in place, without the need for a full renovation.
A New Way of Measuring EPCs
The Government is also replacing the current EPC system with a new methodology called the Home Energy Model (HEM). HEM is expected to begin in the second half of 2027 and will run alongside the existing assessment method for a transitional period. From October 2029, all newly issued EPCs are expected to use HEM.
Importantly, EPCs are valid for 10 years. This means that if your property already holds a valid EPC rated C before 1 October 2029, it is expected to remain compliant under the proposed rules until that certificate expires, even after HEM is introduced.
However, a property that achieves a C rating under today’s methodology may not necessarily achieve the same rating under HEM. If you’re already considering improvements, acting sooner could provide greater certainty before the new assessment framework comes into force.
In Practical Terms
- Landlords will only be required to spend up to £10,000 per property over a ten-year period to meet the standard. This is a compliance cost cap rather than a limit on what you can spend. If eligible improvements costing up to £10,000 have been completed and the property still cannot achieve the equivalent of EPC C, an exemption can be registered.
- The Government’s own impact assessment estimates that the average cost of compliance is likely to be around £5,400 per property.
- The exemptions available have been widened, including a new “negative impact” exemption for cases where measures such as solid wall insulation could damage the property or adversely affect its fabric.
- Local authorities will have stronger enforcement powers, with fines of up to £30,000 per breach for non-compliant properties.
It Doesn’t Stop at EPCs
These changes aren’t happening in isolation. The Renters’ Rights Act is also raising expectations around housing quality, with stricter requirements for tackling issues like damp and mould. Energy efficiency improvements often address both agendas at once, helping you stay ahead of compliance while keeping tenants happier and reducing void periods.
Are you exempt from reaching EPC C?
Not every rental property can reach EPC C, and that’s fine, as long as it’s documented properly.
If you’ve hit the cost cap, made all the improvements that are technically possible, or your property has genuine limitations, you may qualify for an exemption rather than completing further work.
You need to check what exemptions you’re eligible for and make sure you have evidence. Your first rental property could even be free.
Retrofit West’s Landlord Energy Efficiency Plan, from £80, tells you whether your property is heading for an EPC C rating or a valid exemption, and what proof you’ll need in either case. It includes a new EPC and another once you’ve done any works.
Free advice is available first if you’d rather talk it through.
This article is for general information only and reflects our understanding of relevant legislation at the time of writing. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. As landlord obligations vary by circumstance, we recommend seeking independent advice where appropriate.
