New EPC Rules 2026: What's Changing
Updated: · By Depth of Light Ltd, Milton Keynes
Energy Performance Certificates are changing. The government is introducing a new-style EPC with more than one score, bringing more types of home into the rules, and raising the standard for rental homes to EPC C by 2030.
Some of this is confirmed and some is still expected. Here's what we know, in plain English, and what it means if you're selling, letting or improving a home.
A new-style EPC with more than one score
Today's EPC gives a single A to G rating based on estimated running costs. The new-style EPC is expected to keep a headline rating but add separate scores that describe the home in more detail:
- Fabric — how well the walls, roof, floors and windows keep heat in
- Heating — the type and efficiency of the heating system
- Smart readiness — how well the home can use energy flexibly, for example with solar panels, a battery, smart heating controls or a smart meter
New-style EPCs are targeted from October 2026. The government itself has called the timetable "ambitious", so the date may move. The full method for working out the new scores hasn't been published yet.
What stays the same
- EPCs stay valid for 10 years. Your current certificate still counts until it expires or is replaced.
- They're still carried out by accredited assessors and held on the government's public register.
- You still need a valid EPC to sell or let a home.
An EPC needed when a home is marketed
The reforms make clear that a valid EPC should be in place when a home is put on the market for sale or rent, so buyers and tenants can see the rating from the start. If you're planning to sell or let in the next year, check your certificate on the EPC register now, and book an EPC if it has expired or no longer reflects your home.
Book your EPC
Fixed prices from £75, carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. Certificate usually within 48 hours.
HMOs and holiday lets are coming into scope
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and short-term or holiday lets are being brought into the EPC rules. If you own either, it's worth getting ahead of the change: find out where your properties stand now, before any deadline applies.
Rental homes: EPC C by 2030
The biggest change for landlords is the new minimum standard for private rented homes in England:
- The deadline is 1 October 2030 for all tenancies, new and existing.
- Spending is capped at £10,000 per property. Once you've reached the cap, you can register an exemption.
- The standard has two parts: a fabric score, plus either the heating score or the smart readiness score.
- Good ratings are protected. A home rated C or above on the current scale before 1 October 2029 stays compliant until that EPC expires or is replaced.
- Legislation is expected in 2027.
Our guide for landlords goes through each point and the cheapest route to C.
Do I need to replace my EPC when the new one arrives?
No. The new-style EPC doesn't make existing certificates invalid. Your current EPC stays valid for its full 10 years unless it is replaced. You'll only need a new one when you would have needed one anyway: when it expires and you want to sell or let, or when you choose to get a new certificate to show improvements.
For landlords there's one timing point to think about. A property rated C or above on the current scale before 1 October 2029 stays compliant until that certificate expires or is replaced. If your rental is close to C, it may be worth making improvements and getting a new EPC before that date, rather than waiting.
What this means for homeowners
If you own and live in your home, there's no requirement to reach a particular rating. But the new scores should make it clearer where your home loses heat and money, and a better rating can help when you come to sell or remortgage. Some lenders offer better "green mortgage" rates on higher-rated homes.
If you're planning improvements, our guide to improving your EPC rating sets out the order that usually gives the best value. Solar panels and batteries are expected to count towards the new smart readiness score.
What to do now
- Check your current EPC on the government register.
- If it's rated C or above and you're a landlord, keeping it in date before 1 October 2029 protects you until it expires.
- If it's D or below, look at the recommendations and start planning. Insulation usually comes first.
- If it has expired, or you've made improvements since, get a new one.
Book your EPC
Fixed prices from £75, carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. Certificate usually within 48 hours.