Here’s a comprehensive look at the future changes expected in EPC legislation, particularly regarding MEES reforms and 2030 targets:
🔧 EPC & MEES Reforms: What’s Changing?
1. New EPC Metrics (from ~2026)
The government plans to move beyond a single EPC score (A–G) and introduce multiple headline metrics:
Fabric performance – how well walls, roof, and floors retain heat
Heating system efficiency – including incentives for heat pumps
Smart readiness – capacity for intelligent energy management
Energy cost – anticipated energy bills per square metre.
These changes aim to deliver a fairer, more transparent rating, especially for low-carbon homes.
2. Shorter EPC Validity and Renewals
Plans include shortening the current 10‑year validity, possibly to as few as 2 or 5 years.
Mandatory renewal of EPCs when they expire during an ongoing tenancy, to maintain compliance.
No more grace period: marketing a property without an existing EPC will no longer be allowed.
3. Expanding EPC Requirements
EPC obligations are expected to broaden:
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must have EPCs — even if a single room is rented.
Holiday lets and short-term rentals will also require valid EPCs.
Heritage and listed buildings, previously exempt, will fall within the EPC/MEES regime — though tailored advice may apply.
4. Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Raise to C
The government has announced new MEES thresholds:
Domestic rentals:
EPC C required for all new tenancies from 2028
EPC C required for all existing tenancies by 2030 Commercial properties:
Target for EPC C by 2027, and B by 2030.
5. Cost Caps & Exemptions
To protect landlords:
Domestic properties: £15,000 cost cap per property (or £10,000 under affordability exemptions), with 10-year exemptions allowed if compliance is still not reached.
Commercial properties: Exemptions will be available for cost-ineffective improvements
6. Stronger Compliance & Enforcement
New rules for enforcement bodies, including higher financial penalties: up to £10,000 for non-domestic EPC breaches .
A centralised compliance and exemption register is being proposed.
🗓️ Timeline Summary
| Year | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| Late 2026 | EPC metric overhaul and multiple performance criteria introduced |
| 2027 | Commercial properties must meet EPC C |
| 2028 | All new domestic tenancies must meet EPC C |
| 2030 | All existing domestic tenancies must meet EPC C; commercial B standard applies |
💬 What Landlords & Owners Should Do Now
Plan ahead for upcoming MEES C standards before 2028.
Budget for energy-efficient upgrades — up to £15k with possible exemptions.
Keep an eye on EPC validity dates to avoid gaps in compliance.
Consider pre-market EPC renewals to ensure smooth transactions.
📞 Need Help Navigating EPC Reform?
Urgent EPC is here to assist London homeowners and landlords in adapting to these changes:
✅ Residential EPC
⚡ Same-Day EPC
📞 Call Us: +447741 812864
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