EPC Changes for Landlords: Understanding the Plans for 2030

The Government has announced plans to raise energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes in England and Wales to the equivalent of EPC C from 1 October 2030.

For landlords, this raises questions about improvement costs, exemptions and whether their property will meet the future standard.

At Higson Homes, we’ve put together this guide to explain the published plans and help landlords across Hull and East Yorkshire prepare.

Are the changes definitely happening?

The Government has confirmed its policy intention, but the changes remain subject to legislation and Parliamentary approval. The requirements and implementation details could still change.

For now, the legal minimum for rental properties covered by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) remains EPC E, unless a valid exemption applies.

Landlords should plan ahead while continuing to meet their current obligations.

Will every landlord need to spend £10,000?

No. The planned £10,000 cap is a maximum qualifying investment requirement, rather than a fixed bill for every property.

Some homes may already meet the standard. Others could reach it through less expensive improvements.

Under the published plans, a cost-cap exemption could apply where the property remains below standard and:

• The landlord has reached the applicable cap through qualifying expenditure; or

• The cheapest remaining relevant improvement would take qualifying spending over the cap.

For example, a landlord has spent £8,500 and the cheapest remaining relevant improvement costs £2,000. This would take the total to £10,500, so a cost-cap exemption could be available.

However, another relevant improvement costing £500 would generally still need to be completed because it fits within the remaining budget.

Could lower-value properties have a lower spending cap?

Yes. The Government plans a property value adjustment for homes worth less than £100,000, limiting required investment to 10% of the property’s value.

For example, a property valued at £80,000 could have an £8,000 cap.

This could be relevant to some investment properties in Hull. However, a lower cap does not automatically exempt a property from improvements. Valuation evidence and the final eligibility requirements will matter.

What if permission for the work is refused?

Some improvements require consent from a tenant, freeholder, planning authority or another relevant party.

A third-party consent exemption could apply where necessary consent cannot be obtained despite genuine efforts. Examples include:

• A tenant refusing consent for recommended insulation work.

• A freeholder refusing permission for alterations to a leasehold flat.

• A planning authority refusing an application for a recommended improvement.

A signed tenant refusal could support an application, but it would not create an exemption by itself. Landlords should keep records of the specific work proposed, requests for consent and the responses received.

Under the published plans, an exemption based on tenant refusal would last up to five years, or until the refusing tenant leaves, whichever happens first.

What about solid wall insulation?

Many older homes have solid external walls rather than cavity walls. Insulating these can involve fitting insulation internally or externally.

The Government plans an exemption route allowing landlords to choose not to install solid wall insulation.

This would relate to that particular measure. Other relevant improvements within the applicable spending cap may still be required.

The planned route is broader than the current wall-insulation exemption, which requires expert evidence that the insulation would negatively affect the building.

What if an improvement would harm the property?

The Government plans a broader “negative impacts” exemption, combining existing wall-insulation and property-devaluation exemptions.

For example, supporting evidence might show that:

• Recommended insulation would trap moisture and damage the building.

• A particular alteration would reduce the property’s market value.

A landlord’s concern alone would not establish eligibility. Appropriate evidence would be needed, and the final requirements and thresholds remain subject to legislation.

What if all relevant improvements have been completed?

An “all relevant improvements made” exemption could apply where no further relevant improvements are available, but the property still falls below the required standard.

Landlords would need appropriate evidence, such as their EPC, improvement records and any relevant professional reports.

Could work completed now count towards the future cap?

The published plans allow qualifying expenditure on recommended energy efficiency measures installed from 1 October 2025 to count towards the future cap.

Keep dated invoices, recommendations and installation records. Not every property expense qualifies: expenditure on installing fossil fuel heating is excluded from the transitional qualifying spending.

Before commissioning major work, ask a qualified energy assessor or retrofit professional about its suitability and likely effect on your property’s rating.

What if your property already has an EPC C?

The Government intends to recognise properties achieving C or above on the existing Energy Efficiency Rating before 1 October 2029 as compliant with the higher standard until that EPC expires or is replaced.

This transitional route could benefit landlords who have already improved their properties.

EPC assessments are also being reformed, so future compliance will involve more detailed measures of building fabric, heating systems and smart readiness.

Five steps landlords can take now

1. Review your EPC. Check the rating, expiry date and recommended improvements.

2. Check current compliance. An F or G rated property within scope needs improvements or a valid registered exemption.

3. Keep an evidence file. Retain EPCs, invoices, quotes, professional reports and correspondence about permissions.

4. Plan suitable work. Consider energy improvements alongside maintenance and periods when the property is vacant.

5. Check updated guidance. Confirm the final requirements before relying on a future exemption or committing to major expenditure.

Download our free landlord EPC guide

We’ve created a free landlord EPC guide covering the planned changes, spending limits, exemption routes and a practical preparation checklist.

Contact Higson Homes for your copy.

Whether we already manage your property, you manage it yourself or you’re considering a buy-to-let investment, our team can help you review your EPC, discuss maintenance planning and arrange specialist advice where needed.

Get in touch with your property address to discuss your next steps.

Information checked on 9 October 2026. This article summarises current requirements and the Government’s published plans for England and Wales. The future changes remain subject to legislation and Parliamentary approval. Exemptions depend on meeting the relevant conditions and registration requirements.

Further reading

• GOV.UK: Current minimum energy efficiency requirements for landlords

• GOV.UK: Government response on improving privately rented homes

• NRLA: Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards guide