How new rules mean your landlord must improve your home's energy rating by 2030

If you live in a cold rented home that costs a lot to heat, new rules will give your landlord a legal deadline to fix this.

From 1 October 2030, every privately rented home in England and Wales must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C. Right now, landlords only need an EPC rating of E. If your home is rated D, E, F, or G, your landlord will need to make it more energy efficient before then.

What an EPC rating means

An EPC shows how much energy a home uses and how easy it is to keep warm. Homes are rated from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient).

You can check your home's EPC rating for free on GOV.UK — search "find an energy certificate". If your home is rated D or below, it is likely costing you more to heat than a C-rated home would.

What your landlord must do by 2030

Landlords will need to spend up to £10,000 per property on improvements to reach EPC C. This might mean adding insulation to the walls or loft, fitting a new heating system, or installing solar panels.

If a home still cannot reach EPC C after £10,000 has been spent, your landlord can apply for an exemption — but they must renew it every 10 years.

After 1 October 2030, a landlord will not be allowed to rent out a home that falls below this standard.

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What you can do right now

You do not have to wait until 2030. If you are on Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or another means-tested benefit, you could get energy improvements installed in your home now at no cost to you.

The Warm Homes: Local Grant covers insulation, new heating systems, and solar panels in privately rented homes with a D to G EPC rating. Your landlord must agree, but they pay nothing for their first property through the scheme.

Ask your local council or search "Warm Homes Local Grant" on GOV.UK to find out if your area is taking part.

New energy certificates from October 2026

The government is also introducing more detailed EPCs from October 2026. As well as an overall A to G rating, the new certificates will show how well-insulated the building is, what heating system it uses, and whether the home is ready for smart technology.

These extra details will make it easier for you to compare homes before you commit to a tenancy — and to understand what your current landlord may need to improve.

If you need help talking to your landlord about energy improvements, Citizens Advice offers free advice. You can visit citizensadvice.org.uk or call their national helpline.