The government has delayed the reforms of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). Originally planned for October 2026, the launch of the new system will now take place in the second half of 2027.
But with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) deadline looming, there’s concern about whether there’ll be enough time for landlords to make the necessary changes.
Find out why the reforms were delayed and what this might mean for landlords.
What are the proposed reforms to EPC?
The current EPC system is facing its biggest overhaul in more than a decade. The plan is to move away from a single headline rating to a system based on multiple performance metrics.
The goal for the new test is to give a much more detailed view of a property’s energy efficiency. Multiple measures will be used in the new assessments, including:
- fabric performance – measures how well the building retains heat (insulation, windows, and air tightness). This is intended to be the primary metric
- heating system – rates the efficiency and carbon impact of the property’s heating system
- smart readiness – a new metric assessing a home’s ability to integrate with smart technologies, like EV chargers and smart meters
- energy costs – instead of a grade, this will be displayed as an estimated annual energy bill in pounds
Some landlords may welcome the reforms, with some questioning the accuracy of the current EPC system – particularly what it would take for some older properties to achieve the current MEES target of C in 2030.
Impact of the delay on landlords
While a delay gives the industry more time to prepare for the reforms, it creates a tricky situation for landlords.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) warned this pause prolongs the uncertainty surrounding the future of the system. And it might undermine your confidence in deciding when to start upgrading your property.
The main risk is that any work you do now might not meet the standards of the new framework. If you upgrade your property to achieve a C rating under the current rules, there’s no guarantee it will hit the same grade when the assessment changes.
And the opposite is true too. Some landlords might be waiting for the new, more nuanced system to give their property the best shot of achieving an EPC rating of C.
This leaves landlords stuck between wanting to improve their properties and waiting for clear guidance.
The NRLA suggests that focusing on fabric improvements on your property could be a sensible approach, with the government has indicated they’ll remain a central part of the tests.
And make sure you track your expenses when making energy efficiency upgrades on your property:
- Any costs relating to energy efficiency improvements from October 2025 will count towards the £10,000 cap for property upgrades.
- You can claim property improvements back as an allowable expense in your tax return.
The reason for the EPC reforms delay
Delivering changes of this scale takes a lot of time and effort. The feeling among some industry experts is that the 2026 target was always optimistic from the government.
Energy assessors need training in the new system before the rollout, and the government will want the transition to be as smooth as possible. This could be why the government has chosen to delay the reforms.
The Scottish government also confirmed a delay to introducing new-style certificates, validity periods, and rating systems.
The current EPC framework will remain in place across the UK until the government finalises the new one.
MEES deadlines vs EPC reforms
It’s important to understand that the minimum MEES laws are still going ahead. By 2030, all privately rented homes must achieve an EPC rating of band C.
This delay only applies to the introduction of the new EPC system. The government hasn’t given any indication that it plans to push back the 2030 MEES deadline.
This means you shouldn’t ignore energy efficiency for the next few years if your property needs improvements.
How to stay compliant in a changing landscape
It’s difficult to navigate the uncertainty around the energy efficiency standards. Focusing on what you can control with your property could be the best way to prepare.
If you haven’t already, it could be worth speaking with an energy assessor to review the recommendations on your current certificate. They can help you identify the most effective steps to take before the new rules arrive.
Taking this step sooner should mean you have plenty of time to arrange any improvements you need to make to your rental property.
More guides for landlords
- Five buy-to-let tax changes for landlords in 2026
- New energy efficiency rules for rental properties
- Best buy-to-let areas in the UK for 2026
- Setting up a buy-to-let limited company – a guide for landlords
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