Date Published 23 January 2026
The government has confirmed it will reform Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and, crucially for landlords, has finally set out new long-term deadlines for the private rented sector.
How EPCs will change
In what it describes as a 'partial response' to its 2024 consultation, the government says that in the longer term EPCs will be restructured around four separate metrics:
• Energy cost
• Fabric performance
• Heating system
• Smart readiness
According to the government, breaking EPCs into these distinct elements will give consumers clearer and more useful information, while also allowing policymakers to better target issues such as fuel poverty and the transition to net zero — something it says the current EPC framework cannot do effectively. A detailed policy paper published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) confirms that work is still ongoing on whether landlords will be required to obtain a new EPC when an existing one expires for all privately rented properties. The department states: 'We will ensure the revised Energy Performance of Buildings and Private Rental Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards regulations interact effectively to place the right requirements on landlords without incurring undue burdens.'
MHCLG adds that it will work closely with landlord groups, alongside the Department for Energy and Net Zero, before finalising its proposals in a full response to the consultation. Alongside changes to EPCs, the government will introduce a new ‘secondary energy demand metric' for all residential buildings, based on delivered energy, to give an indication of modelled energy use. A carbon-based metric will also be retained on domestic EPCs, providing a snapshot of a property's emissions.
Importantly for landlords, the government has confirmed that existing EPCs will remain valid for their full 10-year lifespan, even once the new EPC format is introduced. Homeowners will also be able to commission EPCs voluntarily if they want advice on improving energy performance.
New deadlines for landlords
In a related announcement, the government has published its Warm Homes Plan, confirming a single compliance deadline of October 2030 for all private rented sector properties. This means earlier proposals for an interim 2028 deadline for new tenancies will be scrapped, providing landlords with greater certainty and a longer lead-in period.
The Warm Homes Plan also confirms changes to the proposed cost cap for compliance. The maximum amount landlords may be required to spend will be reduced from £15,000 to £10,000, with a lower cap applying where £10,000 would represent 10% or more of the property's value.
Any spending on energy efficiency improvements carried out since October last year will count towards the cap. Landlords will also continue to have access to Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants.
The full EPC reform proposals and Warm Homes Plan documentation are available on the government's website.
As your trusted agent, Adams Estates will continue to closely monitor all changes to EPC regulations and government guidance, ensuring our landlords are kept fully informed as reforms develop. Should you require an EPC to be arranged, or advice on practical and cost-effective ways to improve your property's energy rating, our team is on hand to help. We work closely with specialist EPC assessors, who are available to support landlords with assessments, recommendations, and compliance planning ahead of future deadlines.
