Lancaster and Morecambe Landlords: EPC C by 2030— What Has Now Been Confirmed?

If you are a landlord in Lancaster, you would be forgiven for feeling confused about the proposed EPC changes.

Over the past few years, we have heard several deadlines mentioned. Plans have been proposed, delayed, dropped and then revived. Dates including 2025, 2028 and 2030 have all appeared in articles, often without those articles being updated when the position changed.

We now have some clarity.

In January 2026, the government published its response to the consultation on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales.

The government intends all privately rented homes to meet the equivalent of EPC C by 1 October 2030. The necessary changes remain subject to Parliamentary approval, but this is now the government’s confirmed policy direction.

 

When must rented properties reach EPC C?

The proposed deadline is 1 October 2030 for all tenancies.

Earlier plans suggested introducing the standard in two stages, with new tenancies complying from 2028 and existing tenancies following in 2030. That approach has been dropped.

This means there is no separate 2028 deadline when a property is re-let. Instead, the same October 2030 deadline is intended to apply to both new and existing tenancies.

That gives landlords a clearer timetable, although I would not recommend leaving everything until 2029. Just over four years may sound like plenty of time, but anyone who has organised building work knows how quickly that time can disappear.

 

Will the new standard simply be EPC C?

Not quite.

The future standard will use new EPC measurements rather than relying only on the familiar A-to-G energy efficiency rating.

A property will first need to meet a fabric performance standard. This looks at the building itself and how effectively it retains heat. Improvements could include suitable loft or wall insulation, better glazing and draught proofing.

The property must then meet one of two secondary standards:

• A heating system standard

• A smart readiness standard

The landlord will be able to choose which secondary standard is most appropriate.

In practical terms, this means replacing a boiler or installing a smart thermostat may not be enough on its own. The fabric of the property comes first, followed by the most suitable route for its heating or smart-energy performance.

 

How much could EPC improvements cost landlords?

The proposed cost cap is £10,000 per property, including VAT.

For a property valued below £100,000, the cap will be the lower of £10,000 or 10% of the property’s value.

This does not mean every landlord will have to spend £10,000. The government’s impact assessment estimates an average cost of around £5,400 per property, after taking the cap into account.

If a property still cannot meet the required standard once the landlord has spent up to the applicable limit, it may qualify for an exemption. The proposed cost-cap, property-value-adjustment and negative-impact exemptions will last for ten years. Most other exemptions are expected to last for five years.

It is a significant cost, particularly for landlords with several properties, but it is something that can be planned for. The earlier you understand which homes may need work, the easier it becomes to budget and arrange improvements alongside normal maintenance or between tenancies.

 

Does an existing EPC C still count?

Yes, and this is an important detail.

If your property achieves an EPC C or above under the current Energy Efficiency Rating before 1 October 2029, it will be treated as compliant with the future standard until that EPC expires or is replaced.

An existing C rating will not suddenly become worthless when the new measurements arrive.

This may make it sensible to check when your current EPC expires and whether obtaining or improving one before October 2029 would benefit you. Every property is different, so the right decision should be based on the building, its current rating and the improvements recommended.

 

What should Lancaster landlords do now?

There is no need to panic, but there is every reason to start planning.

1. Check each property’s current EPC. Note its rating, recommendations and expiry date.

2. Start with the building fabric. Look at suitable insulation, glazing and draught proofing before assuming that an expensive heating-system replacement is the answer.

3. Plan work around void periods. Improvements are often less disruptive and easier to manage when a property is empty.

4. Investigate funding before committing. Grant schemes and eligibility rules change, so check what support is available when you are ready to proceed.

5. Keep every invoice, report and certificate. If you later need to demonstrate spending or apply for an exemption, good records will be essential.

For many Lancaster landlords, the most useful first step is simply finding out where each property stands. Some may already be in a strong position. Others may need a staged plan rather than one large, last-minute project.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What EPC rating will rented homes need by 2030?

The government intends privately rented homes in England and Wales to meet the equivalent of EPC C, measured using new EPC metrics, by 1 October 2030. The legislative changes are still subject to Parliamentary approval.

Is there an EPC deadline for new tenancies in 2028?

No. The previously proposed 2028 deadline for new tenancies has been dropped. The government’s current plan has one compliance date—1 October 2030—for all tenancies.

How much will landlords have to spend on EPC improvements?

The proposed cost cap is £10,000 per property, including VAT. For properties worth less than £100,000, it will be the lower of £10,000 or 10% of the property’s value. The estimated average spend is £5,400.

What happens if my rental property cannot meet the standard?

If the property remains below the required standard after you have made all relevant improvements up to the applicable cost cap, you may be able to register an exemption and continue letting it while that exemption remains valid.

Will my current EPC C remain valid?

A property achieving an EPC C or above under the current Energy Efficiency Rating before 1 October 2029 will be treated as compliant with the future standard until that EPC expires or is replaced.

 

 

Not sure where your portfolio stands?

If you would like a straightforward conversation about which of your Lancaster rental properties may need attention, please get in touch. We can help you understand the current position and start planning without any unnecessary panic.

If you know another landlord who would find this helpful, please pass it on.

 

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Source: GOV.UK—Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: government response, updated 21 January 2026.