EPC C will be required for all existing tenancies in England from 2030, not just new lets. Landlords with properties already let to tenants on 1 January 2028 will have until 2030 to bring those properties up to EPC C standard or register a valid exemption.
From 1 January 2030, EPC C will be required for all privately rented properties in England, including those already subject to an existing tenancy. A property that was let before 2028 and remained occupied on 1 January 2028 will need to meet EPC C by 2030.
The practical implication is that landlords with large portfolios of D and E rated properties face a significant capital improvement programme that must be completed by 2030 at the latest. The proposed £15,000 cost cap applies equally to both the 2028 new-lets requirement and the 2030 existing-tenancies requirement.
Landlords should treat 2030 as the hard backstop and work backwards to schedule assessments and works across their portfolio. Properties requiring solid wall insulation or heat pump installation have the longest lead times and should be prioritised.
Action required
Do not wait until 2030. Plan improvement works for your entire portfolio now. Commission EPC assessments for all D and E rated properties. The 2028 new-lets deadline and the 2030 existing-tenancies deadline require the same preparatory work.
Effective
1 January 2030
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always verify information against the original source and seek independent professional guidance before acting on any regulatory matter.