The minimum EPC rating for rented homes
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), privately rented homes in England and Wales must have an EPC rating of E or above. The rule has applied to new tenancies since April 2018 and to all existing tenancies since April 2020.
If a property is rated F or G, you can't let it unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. Local authorities enforce the rules and can issue penalties. See GOV.UK for current penalty levels.
| Band | Score | Can it be let in England & Wales? |
|---|---|---|
| A | 92+ | Yes |
| B | 81–91 | Yes |
| C | 69–80 | Yes |
| D | 55–68 | Yes |
| E | 39–54 | Yes, the current minimum |
| F | 21–38 | No, unless an exemption is registered |
| G | 1–20 | No, unless an exemption is registered |
The move towards EPC C
The government has proposed that privately rented homes should reach EPC C, with a target date of 2030. The final rules and timetable may change, so check GOV.UK for the latest position. Either way, knowing your current rating and the cost-effective route to C lets you plan work over time instead of all at once.
Tip: an accurate assessment matters most when a property is close to a band boundary. A few points can decide whether it's compliant.
Your obligations to tenants
- Have a valid EPC before you market a property to let.
- Give tenants a copy of the EPC at the start of the tenancy, free of charge.
- Keep the rating at E or above, or hold a valid registered exemption.
EPCs for portfolios
For landlords, letting agents and housing providers with several properties, we can assess a whole portfolio with one point of contact and one booking. For larger retrofit programmes, our parent company My Home Survey Ltd provides PAS 2035 retrofit coordination through home-surveyors.com.
Last updated: 17 September 2026. This page is general guidance, not legal advice.