The UK private rented sector is facing one of its biggest shake-ups in a generation. The government has confirmed that by 1 October 2030, all private rental properties must achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C. This rule is a major piece of the government’s Warm Homes Plan.
At Branfold, our stance is clear: we are fully pro-Renters’ Rights Act. Every tenant deserves to live in a safe, warm, and energy-efficient home that does not cost a fortune to heat.
However, we cannot ignore the realistic side of this green transition. The strict timeline and heavy costs are already pushing many landlords to sell their properties. When landlords exit the market, the supply of available homes drops. This makes it much harder for everyday people and vulnerable families to find a place to live.
Here is a deep dive into why the Renters’ Rights Act is far from finished, what the green targets will cost, and how landlords can navigate the road to 2030.
🛑 The Renters’ Rights Act: The Hardest Part is Yet to Come
While the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 rolled out on 1 May 2026—bringing the end of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions and introducing rolling tenancies—the legislative changes are not yet finished.
The government is rolling the act out in stages. Landlords have already had to adjust to massive administrative shifts, like handing out the mandatory Government Information Sheets by late May 2026. But the true test for the housing market is just beginning.
The most difficult challenge for property owners is the upcoming intersection of the final phases of the Renters’ Rights Act and the strict new EPC regulations. Navigating new court grounds for possession, a national landlord database, and strict green building targets all at once means the hardest part is absolutely yet to come for the private rented sector.
⏱️ The EPC Timeline: Why 2030 is Closer Than It Looks
The government has streamlined the compliance roadmap to give the industry a single, clear target.
- 1 October 2030: This is the hard deadline. By this date, your property must be a Grade C or higher.
- All Tenancies Included: There is no split between new and existing tenancies. The rule applies to all private lets at the exact same time.
- The 2027 Measurement Shift: In late 2027, the government will replace the old SAP rating system with the new Home Energy Model. This is a stricter, hourly data-driven way of measuring energy. Landlords need to plan upgrades carefully now so their improvements remain compliant under the new 2027 system.
💰 The True Cost of Going Green
Upgrading older British housing stock—especially the classic Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes common across Milton Keynes—is a significant financial task.
- The Average Bill: Industry data shows that the average cost to upgrade a D or E rated property to a C stands between £6,100 and £6,800.
- The £10,000 Cap: The government has introduced a maximum spending cap of £10,000 per property.
- The Exemption Rule: If you spend £10,000 on valid energy improvements and your property still does not hit a C grade, you can register for a 10-year exemption.
- The Sector Total: Across the UK, the total bill for landlords to meet these standards is expected to reach a staggering £24 billion.
📉 The Supply Crunch: How Greener Rules Threaten Housing Availability
While the goal of erasing fuel poverty is vital, forcing these costs onto landlords during a time of immense regulatory change is creating a perfect storm. Squeezed by both the strict rules of the Renters’ Rights Act and the high costs of energy upgrades, many property owners feel pushed out of the sector.
1. Landlords are Selling Up
Many landlords, particularly accidental landlords or retirees with one or two older properties, simply do not have £10,000 in spare cash. Rather than taking on debt, they are choosing to sell.
2. A Shrinking Rental Pool
Experts estimate that over 1 million rental properties could be lost to the private rented sector. When these homes are sold, they often go to live-in owners. While good for the broader housing market, it strips a home away from the rental pool.
3. The Tenant Paradox
With fewer rental homes on the market, competition increases. This drives up rent prices for the remaining properties and makes it incredibly difficult for low-income families, young professionals, and vulnerable people to find stable housing.
To prevent a total supply collapse, we believe the government must step in with more robust financial support, such as direct insulation grants and tax reliefs for landlords making these upgrades.
🔍 How to Prepare: Action Steps for Branfold Landlords
The worst thing a landlord can do right now is wait until 2030. Contractors will be busy, materials will be expensive, and you risk facing hefty fines or being unable to let your property.
- Check Your Current EPC: Look at your latest certificate. Pay close attention to the “Recommendations” section, which lists the exact steps needed to bump your property up a grade.
- Focus on Easy Wins first: Double-glazing, low-energy LED lighting, loft insulation, and smart thermostats are often cheaper ways to boost your score before looking at expensive heat pumps or solar panels.
- Look for Funding: Keep an eye out for local council eco-grants or government schemes that might subsidize insulation or heating upgrades.
🤝 Let Branfold Help You Navigate the Changes
We are here to support both landlords and tenants through this transition. By planning early, you can keep your property compliant, protect your rental income, and provide a top-quality, warm home for your tenants.
👉 Ready to see where your property stands? Contact Branfold today to book an updated EPC assessment and discuss your property strategy.