It seems like an eternity since the idea of EPC changes for rental homes was first mooted, but we finally have solid dates and new criteria to work to.

There's been much talk of the ineffective measuring standards used in current EPC bands, so along with deadlines for property upgrades, the way EPCs are assessed is also set for radical change.

Ultimately, all rental homes will need to have an Energy Performance certificate with a minimum rating of Band C, but the timescales are different between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

As with everything around property management, it’s never too soon to plan, so let’s dive into the depths of the upcoming EPC changes, including:

Where things stand in 2026

The roadmap to 2028 and 2030

What does an EPC band C actually look like?

Shifting to the Home Energy Model (HEM)

Spreading the cost with gradual upgrades

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or an accidental landlord, our guide will help you transition easily and without any last-minute panics, with a proactive plan you can start today.

WHERE THINGS STAND IN 2026

Today’s baseline EPC requirements are the same for England and Wales, but different for Scotland, where a major administrative transition will also take hold later this year.

In England and Wales, the minimum EPC rating remains firmly at Band E, and it’s illegal to let a property—or renew a tenancy—with an F or G certificate (unless a valid exemption is in place.)

Scotland currently has no mandatory minimum band for letting a property; merely a requirement that you provide a valid EPC. However, changes are coming with new regulations.

From October 31st 2026, all new Scottish EPCs will be valid for five years. Existing 10-year EPCs will be allowed to run their term, but after October 31st 2027, they won’t be valid for reletting.

The gap between a scraped E rating and a solid C could be wider than you think, and closing that gap takes thought, time, and reliable contractors - our trusted circle will be getting a lot of calls!

THE ROADMAP TO 2028 AND 2030

Until recently, the UK and Scottish governments were moving toward a unified 2028 deadline for EPC changes for new tenancies, but that all changed with the January 2026 Warm Homes Plan.

Suddenly, Westminster and Holyrood took very different turns, and their paths diverged as follows:

For England and Wales, the 2028 deadline for new tenancies has been scrapped in favour of one single, clear date: every rental property must hit Band C by October 1st, 2030.

In Scotland, all new tenancies from April 1st, 2028 will need a minimum EPC rating of C, while any remaining legacy tenancies will need to comply by 2033.

All three nations have converged on a £10,000 investment cap, though in England and Wales, a low-value limit applies, with a cap of 10% of the market value for properties of £100,000 or less.

This window is your opportunity to stagger costs in a manageable way. As the deadlines approach, the demand for specialists will inevitably skyrocket, so it’s financial sense to start planning now.

WHAT DOES AN EPC BAND C LOOK LIKE?

Improving your EPC rating to C doesn't necessarily mean destroying your rental property’s character, but it does require prioritising the fabric of the building, alongside smaller tasks.

Topping up loft insulation to the modern 270mm standard is the single most cost-effective jump you can make. Filling cavity walls is also a highly effective measure.

Replacing old windows with high-spec double glazing that uses low-E glass and/or argon fills. For listed buildings, specialist secondary units can preserve their character while limiting heat loss.

Installing thermostatic valves to every radiator along with a smart central heating programmer gives you extra home-control points that EPC assessors look for.

Finally, a quick shout out to low-cost fixes. A simple switch to 100% LED lighting can provide a few extra points, as can simple draught-excluding measures to doors, key holes and letterboxes.

SHIFTING TO THE HOME ENERGY MODEL (HEM)

Although the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for Energy Performance Certificates remains in place today, it is going to be replaced by a new standard - the Home Energy Model (HEM).

This new system will switch from a single ‘cost-to-run’ score, and introduce four specific performance metrics. Originally intended to take effect from October 2026, it now looks likely from early 2027.

Fabric Performance measures will test how well your walls and roof keep the heat in, regardless of what kind of boiler you have.

The Heating System metric will track the carbon impact and efficiency of your heat source, rewarding low-carbon heat pumps more than ever before.

Smart Readiness will evaluate how well your home integrates with the grid, including smart meters and potential solar battery storage.

The Energy Cost metric will provide a transparent, pound-for-pound estimate of what the tenant will actually pay to live there.

In short, under the new HEM, poor insulation will no longer be able to hide behind a modern gas boiler; the whole property will need to perform to reach that coveted Band C.

SPREADING THE COST WITH GRADUAL CHANGES

Because the 2026 methodology is so rigorous, "assumptions" are a thing of the past—if an assessor can't see the work and you have no proof, it simply doesn't count. You need a solid paper trail.

Start a Digital Property Folder today to store every invoice and material spec sheet, along with before-and-after photos of energy improvement work.

Plan one major upgrade per year (Insulation > Timers and thermostats > Glazing > Heating, electrics and kitchen appliances) to spread the cost across the longest possible period.

Always ask your tradespeople for EPC-ready documentation that proves the U-values of the materials they’ve installed.

By staggering your investment and keeping detailed records, you avoid any evidence gaps which could see your C-rated improvements downgraded to a D because you can't prove all the work you’ve done.

Is your rental property ready for the EPC changes?

The road to 2030 isn't just about spending money; it’s about making smart decisions that protect your property and future-proof its value. We’re here to help you navigate that transition.

We’ve helped countless landlords in the Wilton and salisbury area to swap compliance dread for peace of mind, so give us a call on 01722 580059 or drop us an email at info@piccoloproperty.co.uk to start your energy audit today.