LANDLORDS 10 STEP GUIDE TO AN EPC "C"

First draft - outline only for comments
30/05/2026 -
Valid for RdSAP 10 up to 1 Oct 2029

1. CHECK YOUR OLD EPC

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How old is your EPC?

The way EPCs are calculated has changed over time - EPC older than June 2025? - DO NOT use old EPC recommendations.
Check your old EPC now

2. MAXIMISE YOUR EPC

Taking the time to properly prepare for an EPC assessors visit can pay dividends

Work with your Assessor

The EPC is a legal document and assessors have strict rules by which they operate. They can only take into account what they actually see during their inspection or have proof of. Give them the information they need, and they like you, want to produce the most accurate rating possible.
Prepare for an EPC Guide

3. RENEW YOUR EPC

Avoid costly mistakes - Use the most up to date information available

Update your EPC

Commission a new EPC that complies with the latest rules and reflects any improvements made to the property. Critical to avoid wasting money on inappropriate upgrades.
Find an EPC Assessor

4. MEASURE THE GAP

How many extra points to get a 68 "C" or better

Points determine upgrades

A Victorian property may need 19+ points and cost £20,000+ - A 1970s property may need 1 points to reach a 69C, and cost a hundred pounds
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5. CHOOSE YOUR APPROACH

Many routes to a "C" - Eco, Fabric, Cost... Also account for restrictions.

Many paths

Choose an approach to meet your needs and budget. (ECO) maximum carbon reduction. (FABRIC) building envelope first. (PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE) quickest, most affordable. Properties may be in a conservation area, have Listed status or Title restrictions.
Listed buildings Register

6. MODEL YOUR OPTIONS

It's possible to go beyond the EPC Standard Recommendations

Run the points

Detailed modelling is NOT a part of the EPC assessors normal service. This additional service is however invaluable for exploring more cost effective options.
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7. ESTIMATE COSTS

Once your upgrade measures have been selected, initial costs can be calculated

Get a ball park figure

At this stage you are looking to estimate: financial costs, disruption to tenants, timescales and trades availability.
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8. EXPLORE EXEMPTIONS

If your numbers don't add up, or you have technical difficulties getting to a "C"

Not every property makes a "C"

Don't despair, there are some sensible exemptions. The main exemption is the £10,000 cost cap , but there are 5 other options to explore.
MEES 2030 Exemption List

9. INVESTIGATE FUNDING

There are funding and grant options available to landlords and their tenants

How to pay

For upgrades many landlords will self-fund. There are however grant an funding schemes, all come with criteria and rules.
Grants & Funding

10. CREATE YOUR EPC to "C" PLAN

All the information to hand - time to build a detailed implementation plan (or create an exit strategy)

Bring it all together

Now you have decided on an approach, costed the upgrades, explored the exemptions and investigated the funding its time to put together a workable plan - This could be for upgrading to a "C" or disposing of the rental property.
The Plan