From 2030 your private rental property must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating of C, unless it’s exempt.
The deadline may be four years away, but the clock is already ticking on the changes, especially when improving the energy efficiency of your rental property now can help attract and retain tenants who want to save money and live more comfortably.
But the changes come at a price, with some landlords worried about the cost of retrofitting rental properties to be more energy efficient. Landlords have a £10,000 spending cap on qualifying EPC improvements, the timescale for which began in October 2025. Failure to comply with upgrading by 2030 could cost landlords up to £30,000 per property in penalties.
The government says it is doing what it can to help, with support currently available through the Warm Homes Local Grant, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and a zero-rate of VAT until March 2027 on energy-saving measures.
The government is also working on private finance options, particularly in the green home finance sector, to better support landlords in making EPC investments.
In the meantime, however, you might want to consider cheap fixes to improve your property’s energy efficiency and make it more attractive to tenants.
Draught-proofing property
Properties need adequate ventilation to ensure they can breathe. Problems such as condensation and mould can quickly escalate without it. Draughtproofing properties should therefore be a careful balance between cutting off draughts through obvious escape routes such as doors and windows with brush strips and sealant, while still allowing air to circulate freely.
Replace light bulbs with LEDs
Replacing old halogen and incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs can offer immediate energy-efficiency improvements for a low cost and minimal effort.
Install heating controls
Tenants are increasingly demanding greater autonomy over their heating and smart controls are much sought after since they allow them to manage the temperature and use even when they are away from home. Meanwhile, thermostatic radiator valves can enable tenants to control the temperature of individual rooms. This offers both energy-saving and comfort benefits.
Improve insulation
One of the most effective ways to improve a property’s EPC rating is by improving its insulation. This will also help your tenants cut energy bills and potentially reduce the risk of condensation and mould.
Loft insulation can cost a few hundred pounds to install but has a big impact on energy performance. If existing insulation has seen better days, topping it up to the recommended depth of 270mm will help improve heat retention.
Budget for bigger investments
These low-cost measures all help, but other improvements, such as modern, energy-efficient heating systems, double glazing and cavity wall insulation, will require more expensive outlays. Budgeting early will help you manage the costs when you do decide to invest more.