The Government has published its partial responses to last year's consultations on Energy Performance Certificates and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for the private rented sector.
Several proposals have changed following industry feedback and there is meaningful good news for landlords. Here is what you need to know.
Future MEES requirements will be linked to a new EPC framework rather than the existing A–G rating system. Reformed certificates are expected to assess properties against several measures (including building fabric performance, heating system efficiency, and smart readiness) giving a more complete picture of energy performance than the current single rating provides.
Rather than staggered deadlines for new and existing tenancies, the Government has confirmed a single compliance deadline of 1 October 2030 for all privately rented properties. This simplifies planning and removes the complexity of a phased rollout.
We would strongly advise beginning to explore your options now as demand for qualified contractors and materials is likely to increase significantly as 2030 approaches.
The proposed compliance model requires landlords to meet a minimum fabric performance standard, covering insulation, windows, and building structure and then satisfy either a heating system standard or a smart readiness standard.
This "fabric first" approach allows some flexibility depending on the type and circumstances of your property.
Following strong feedback from landlords and the industry, the proposed expenditure cap has been reduced from £15,000 to £10,000. Importantly, any qualifying expenditure incurred from 1 October 2025 may count towards this cap, giving an incentive to begin improvement works now rather than waiting for the new regulations to come into force.
Keep all invoices and documentation carefully.
Properties that achieve an EPC C rating under the current system before the transition to the new framework are expected to be regarded as compliant until the EPC expires or is renewed.
For many landlords, upgrading to EPC C now is a sensible and cost-effective option, particularly given that spending from October 2025 counts towards the future cap.
All existing exemptions will remain in place. The Government is also considering new exemptions for situations where improvements would be technically difficult, disproportionately expensive, or potentially damaging to the building - for example, in older or listed properties.
Greater flexibility for landlords with larger portfolios is also being explored.
The final design of the new EPC methodology and the Home Energy Model is still under development, and the precise performance thresholds properties will need to meet have not yet been confirmed. We are monitoring Government guidance closely and will provide further updates as they become available.
The 2026 responses confirm the Government's commitment to improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector by 2030, while modifying several of its original proposals in response to landlord concerns.
The reduced cost cap, single compliance deadline, transitional protection for existing EPC C properties, and potential new exemptions are all positive developments.
The direction of travel is clear, however planning and budgeting now, rather than waiting, will put you in the strongest position.
For advice specific to your property or portfolio, speak to a member of the Bramleys lettings team on lettings@bramleys.com
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