Here is what’s already required by law for privately rented domestic property in England and Wales, as it stands today — not the proposed future standard, which is covered separately.
The current requirement
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations 2015, a privately rented domestic property must have a minimum EPC rating of E to be legally let, unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. This has applied to new and renewed tenancies since 1 April 2018, and to all existing tenancies since 1 April 2020.
What a valid EPC certificate needs
A rental property needs a valid EPC certificate (currently valid for 10 years from issue) available to prospective tenants, showing the property’s current rating. If a property has never been assessed, or its certificate has expired, that’s a separate, immediate gap from the rating question itself.
What is not yet a current requirement
The proposed EPC C minimum by 2030 is not part of today’s legal requirement — it’s confirmed government policy (Warm Homes Plan, January 2026) with legislation targeted for 2027, and does not change what’s legally required to let a property today.
Check your property’s real EPC band free → no email required
Top comments (0)