11/11/2026
EPC rating C: what the current policy means for property plans
Written By: Callum Snowden
Estimated Time: 4 mins
Building Compliance
An EPC rating C is often discussed as though it comes with one deadline for every rented property. The position is more specific. Privately rented homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales have different rules and policy timetables.
For landlords, developers and commercial property teams, the starting point is the individual building: its use, location, current certificate and tenancy arrangements. Understanding those details helps separate today’s compliance requirements from future standards that still depend on legislation.
Privately rented homes: current rules and planned changes
For homes covered by the domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in England and Wales, the current minimum is generally EPC E, unless a valid exemption is registered.
The government’s January 2026 response sets out a higher standard equivalent to EPC C, with a planned compliance date of 1 October 2030. It would assess fabric performance alongside either heating system performance or smart readiness, using reformed EPC metrics. These changes remain subject to Parliamentary approval.
The response also sets out transitional treatment: homes rated C or above against the Energy Efficiency Rating before 1 October 2029 would be recognised as compliant until that certificate expires or is replaced. An existing C rating therefore matters, but its date and validity should be checked.
Read the government response alongside the current landlord guidance when planning improvements.
Commercial property: a separate policy timetable
The current minimum for non-domestic rented properties within the England and Wales MEES regime is generally EPC E, subject to valid registered exemptions.
The government’s June 2026 interim response confirms that the previously proposed EPC C milestone for 2027 will not proceed. Instead, it proposes EPC B from 2031 for privately rented buildings over 1,000 square metres, where cost-effective. Buildings below 1,000 square metres are intended to remain subject to EPC E.
The proposed higher standard requires secondary legislation. Further detail on the threshold and implementation is still to follow, so avoid assuming how every boundary case will be treated.
The non-domestic interim response explains this policy direction. It should be read separately from the residential C target.
Build a property-specific improvement plan
Start by checking the current certificate, its expiry date and the assessor’s recommendations. The official energy certificate service lets you check for a valid certificate and find an accredited assessor.
Before commissioning work, consider how recommended measures fit the building’s fabric, services, occupation, heritage constraints and planned maintenance. Review actual energy use and available survey information alongside the certificate to inform the wider investment decision.
For a portfolio, group properties by use, current rating, certificate expiry, lease events and likely upgrade scope. This provides a clearer basis for prioritising work than assuming every D-rated building needs the same measures.
Keep records of assessments, recommendations, works and any exemption evidence. Check the applicable registration requirements rather than assuming a difficult-to-improve property is automatically exempt.
When discussing a target rating with contractors or tenants, specify the certificate and metric being used. Ask an appropriately accredited assessor to assess the expected effect of proposed measures before making commitments about the resulting band. Recheck the regulatory position before fixing a programme around a future deadline.
Energy assessment support from enevo
enevo provides SAP calculations for new dwellings and SBEM calculations for non-domestic projects, supporting design-stage energy assessment and relevant as-built calculations and EPCs.
If you are planning a new development or non-domestic project, speak to our Building Compliance team about the appropriate assessment. For an existing asset, confirm the building type and required scope before commissioning support.
