landlords
Energy Performance Certificates for London Landlords: 2025 Update
EPC Requirements for London Landlords in 2025
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) introduced by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, landlords in England are prohibited from letting properties with an EPC rating below E since April 2020 for new tenancies and April 2023 for all tenancies.
What Is Required Now
- Minimum EPC rating of E for all private rented properties in London
- EPC must be available to prospective tenants before marketing
- EPC must be provided to tenant at start of tenancy
- EPC valid for 10 years (new assessment recommended before marketing if outdated)
- Properties rated F or G cannot legally be let — unless an exemption applies
Proposed Changes: EPC C by 2028
The current Labour government has proposed requiring all new tenancies to have an EPC rating of C or above by 2028, and all existing tenancies by 2030. This is currently a proposal, not law — but London landlords with D-rated properties should be planning upgrades now to avoid the costs of rushed compliance in 2027–28.
Common Improvements to Raise EPC Rating in London
- Replacing an old F-rated non-condensing boiler with a modern A-rated condensing boiler
- Adding or upgrading loft insulation to 270mm (recommended depth)
- Cavity wall insulation (where the wall construction permits)
- Double glazing or secondary glazing on single-glazed properties
- Smart heating controls (adds 1–2 points to EPC score)
- Solar panels (significant improvement for suitable properties)
Frequently asked questions
How much does an EPC cost in London?
An EPC survey in London costs £60–£120 depending on the size and location of the property. The assessment takes 30–60 minutes and the certificate is produced digitally and registered on the national EPC register. The assessor must be a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) registered with an accreditation scheme.
What exemptions exist for London landlords who cannot achieve EPC E?
Exemptions include: cost cap exemption (where improvements would cost more than £3,500 and the minimum standard cannot be met at or below that cost); consent exemption (where the tenant or planning authority refuses to allow works); property devaluation exemption (where a surveyor certifies improvements would reduce property market value); and new landlord exemption (6 months grace for newly inherited properties). All exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
What are the penalties for letting a London property below EPC E?
Penalties for breaching MEES include fines of £2,000 for letting a sub-standard property for less than 3 months, £4,000 for lettings of 3 months or more, and £5,000 for failing to comply with an improvement notice. Publishing false or misleading exemption information carries a £1,000 penalty. Local authorities enforce MEES and can require disclosure of EPC information.