If you are a landlord in Weston-super-Mare, you would be forgiven for feeling confused about the proposed EPC changes for rental properties.
Over the past few years, landlords have heard several different deadlines mentioned. Plans have been proposed, delayed, dropped and then revived, with dates including 2025, 2028 and 2030 appearing across news articles and landlord guidance.
For landlords in Weston-super-Mare and across North Somerset, we now have a much clearer idea of what the government intends to introduce.
In January 2026, the government published its response to the consultation on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales.
Under the current proposals, all privately rented homes will be expected to meet the equivalent of EPC C by 1 October 2030.
The necessary legislative changes remain subject to Parliamentary approval, but this is now the government’s confirmed policy direction.
When do rental properties need to reach EPC C?
The proposed EPC deadline for landlords is 1 October 2030 for all tenancies.
Earlier proposals suggested introducing the new energy efficiency requirements in two stages, with new tenancies required to comply from 2028 and existing tenancies following in 2030.
That approach has now been dropped.
This means landlords re-letting a property in Weston-super-Mare will not currently face a separate 2028 EPC C deadline. Instead, the government intends the same October 2030 deadline to apply to both new and existing tenancies.
This gives landlords a clearer timetable for planning improvements.
However, we would not recommend leaving everything until 2029. Four years may seem like plenty of time, but landlords who own older rental properties may need to consider insulation, glazing, heating improvements or other works, and organising contractors can take time.
Planning ahead can also allow improvements to be carried out during void periods rather than disrupting an existing tenancy.
Will landlords simply need an EPC C rating?
Not quite.
The proposed future energy efficiency standard will use new EPC measurements rather than relying solely on the familiar A-to-G Energy Efficiency Rating.
A rental property will first need to meet a fabric performance standard.
This considers the property itself and how effectively the building retains heat. Depending on the property, improvements could include:
Loft insulation
Wall insulation
Improved glazing
Draught proofing
Other improvements to the building fabric
The property will then need to meet one of two secondary standards:
A heating system standard
Or
A smart readiness standard
Landlords will be able to choose which secondary route is most appropriate for their property.
In practical terms, this means simply replacing a boiler or installing a smart thermostat may not necessarily be enough.
The fabric and energy efficiency of the property itself will be considered first, followed by the most suitable route for improving its heating or smart-energy performance.
How much could EPC improvements cost landlords?
One of the biggest concerns for landlords is understandably the potential cost of bringing rental properties up to the new standard.
The proposed cost cap is £10,000 per property, including VAT.
For a property valued below £100,000, the proposed cap will be the lower of £10,000 or 10% of the property’s value.
This does not mean every landlord will need to spend £10,000.
The government’s impact assessment estimates the average cost of improvements to be around £5,400 per property once the cost cap is taken into account.
If a rental property still cannot achieve the required energy efficiency standard after the landlord has completed all relevant improvements up to the applicable spending limit, the property may qualify for an exemption.
The proposed cost-cap, property-value-adjustment and negative-impact exemptions are expected to last for ten years. Most other exemptions are expected to remain valid for five years.
For landlords with several properties in Weston-super-Mare, these costs could become significant.
The advantage of planning early is that improvements can potentially be spread over several years and incorporated into normal maintenance, refurbishment or works carried out between tenancies.
Does an existing EPC C still count?
Yes, and this is particularly important for landlords whose rental property already has a good EPC rating.
If your property achieves an EPC C or above under the current Energy Efficiency Rating before 1 October 2029, it will be treated as compliant with the future standard until that EPC expires or is replaced.
This means an existing EPC C will not suddenly become worthless when the new EPC measurements are introduced.
For Weston-super-Mare landlords, it may therefore be worth checking when the current EPC on each rental property expires.
Depending on the property’s existing rating and recommended improvements, there may be circumstances where completing improvements and obtaining an EPC C before October 2029 is worth considering.
Every property is different, so the most appropriate approach will depend on the building, its current energy efficiency rating and the improvements recommended on its EPC.
What should Weston-super-Mare landlords do now about EPC changes?
There is no need for landlords to panic about the proposed 2030 EPC deadline, but there is every reason to start planning.
The first step should be to check the current EPC for each rental property you own.
Look at the existing rating, the certificate expiry date and the recommended energy efficiency improvements.
It is also sensible to consider the property’s building fabric before automatically assuming that an expensive boiler or heating-system replacement will be required.
Suitable insulation, glazing and draught proofing may form an important part of meeting the future standards.
Where possible, plan larger improvement works around tenancy changes and void periods. Carrying out improvements while a property is empty will often be less disruptive and easier to organise.
Landlords should also investigate whether any grants or funding schemes are available before committing to major works, as funding schemes and eligibility requirements can change.
Finally, keep good records.
Invoices, EPC certificates, reports, quotations and evidence of completed improvements could become important if you later need to demonstrate how much has been spent or apply for an exemption.
For many landlords in Weston-super-Mare, Worle, Milton, Uphill, Kewstoke and the surrounding North Somerset area, the most useful first step is simply understanding where each property currently stands.
Some rental properties may already be well positioned for the proposed EPC changes.
Others, particularly older properties, may benefit from a staged improvement plan rather than one large and potentially expensive project shortly before the 2030 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions About EPC Changes for Landlords
What EPC rating will rental properties need by 2030?
The government intends privately rented properties in England and Wales to meet the equivalent of EPC C using new EPC metrics by 1 October 2030.
The necessary legislative changes remain subject to Parliamentary approval.
Is there an EPC deadline for new tenancies in 2028?
No.
The previously proposed 2028 EPC deadline for new tenancies has been dropped.
The government’s current proposal is for one compliance date of 1 October 2030 for both new and existing tenancies.
How much will landlords have to spend on EPC improvements?
The proposed spending cap is £10,000 per rental property, including VAT.
For properties valued below £100,000, the cap will be the lower of £10,000 or 10% of the property’s value.
The government’s estimated average spend is approximately £5,400 per property.
What happens if my rental property cannot achieve the required EPC standard?
If a property remains below the required energy efficiency standard after all relevant improvements have been completed up to the applicable spending cap, the landlord may be able to register an exemption.
The property could then continue to be rented while that exemption remains valid.
Will my current EPC C remain valid after the rules change?
A property achieving EPC C or above under the current Energy Efficiency Rating before 1 October 2029 will be treated as compliant with the future standard until that EPC expires or is replaced.
Are you a landlord in Weston-super-Mare?
If you own a rental property in Weston-super-Mare or the surrounding North Somerset area and are unsure how the proposed EPC changes could affect you, it is worth starting the conversation now.
At Ashcombe Estate Agents & Lettings, we work with local landlords and can help you understand your property’s current position, plan ahead for future requirements and manage your rental property without unnecessary last-minute pressure.
Whether you have one rental property or a larger portfolio, understanding your EPC ratings now can help you prepare for the proposed 2030 requirements.
If you know another Weston-super-Mare landlord who may find this guide useful, please feel free to share it with them.
Source: GOV.UK — Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: government response, updated 21 January 2026.
