Updated July 2026. With the minimum standard for rented homes confirmed to rise to EPC C by 1 October 2030, most landlords will need to upgrade at least one property. The good news: a planned, budget-first approach usually gets you there for far less than a full retrofit. Here’s how.
What you’ll need to hit and what it can cost
Privately rented homes must reach the equivalent of EPC band C by 1 October 2030. A £10,000 cost cap per property applies, and the Government estimates the average spend will be around £5,400. If a property still falls short after you’ve spent the cap, you can register a 10-year exemption. See our MEES guide for the rules.
The best-value upgrades (cheapest first)
- Loft insulation to the recommended depth — one of the cheapest ways to gain EPC points.
- Cavity wall insulation where suitable.
- Draught-proofing and a hot water cylinder jacket.
- LED lighting throughout.
- Efficient heating and controls — a modern boiler, a room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves.
- Double glazing and, for harder cases, solid-wall insulation or a heat pump.
How to plan it
- Check the current EPC and read its recommendations — they estimate the points each measure adds.
- Do the cheap wins first and re-assess before committing to expensive measures.
- Phase the work across a few years and between tenancies to spread cost and disruption.
- Keep all evidence of spend in case you need an exemption.
- Check GOV.UK for any grants before you pay — support schemes change.
Upgrading also cuts tenants’ bills and makes the property more lettable — see adding value on a budget.
Written by the Landlords Portal team. Sources: GOV.UK. General information, not legal advice.
