EPC rating C: the proposed 2028 deadline and what to do now

Today, English and Welsh rentals must have an EPC rating of E or above (with limited exemptions). The proposed reform raises this to C for new tenancies (originally 2025, now drifted to 2028, possibly later).

What an EPC actually tests

A surveyor scores the property out of 100 on energy efficiency. Key levers:

• Insulation (loft, wall, floor).
• Windows (single vs double).
• Heating system (boiler age, controls).
• Hot water cylinder (if any).
• Lighting (LEDs help materially).

Cheap wins (under £200)

• Swap halogen / incandescent bulbs to LED throughout.
• Hot water cylinder jacket (if there's an exposed cylinder).
• Low-flow shower head.
• Draught proofing.

Medium spend (£500-£3,000)

• Loft insulation top-up (usually grant-eligible).
• Cavity wall insulation (usually grant-eligible if not done already).
• New thermostat with TRVs (programmable controls).
• Hot water cylinder upgrade.

Big spend (£3,000+)

• Boiler upgrade (an A-rated condensing boiler will move you up at least one band).
• Internal or external solid wall insulation.
• Double glazing (if you still have single-pane).
• Air source heat pump (think £8-15k, but eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant).

What to do now

1. Pull your current EPC certificate (it's free at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate).
2. Read the recommendations section (it's a roadmap).
3. Sequence them: cheap wins first to confirm the bigger spend is needed.
4. Track them in havelo's compliance module (/dashboard/compliance) so the dates and certificates are in one place.

When the new rule lands

For the latest, follow the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. We update the in-app guidance whenever the regulation changes.

This is general guidance only.