Navigating EPC ‘C’ Compliance in the Private Rented Sector: Challenges and Solutions
Published: 12/03/2025
As the UK government continues its drive toward a more sustainable future, new legislative proposals are set to transform the privately rented sector. Under plans currently under consultation by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, all landlords in the privately rented sector will be required to meet an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or above by 2030. This policy aims to reduce tenants’ energy costs by an estimated £240 per year and raise half a million households out of fuel poverty.
Current Landscape and Challenges
Approximately 48% of private rented homes already meet an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above. The government plans to extend this standard across the sector, raising the minimum from ‘E’ to ‘C’. However, earlier targets for 2028 were scrapped by Rishi Sunak’s government, and the revised deadline of 2030 still presents challenges. Achieving compliance across all properties could take up to 10 years, with a significant retrofit cost estimated at up to £6,000 per property, in addition to the ongoing shortage of skilled tradespeople. These financial pressures may force some landlords to dispose of less viable properties or pass increased costs on to tenants, potentially undermining the intended benefits of the policy. A further concern is if the cost-benefit balance is not carefully managed, there is a risk of creating stranded assets, where properties become unsaleable or less attractive to investors because the costs of compliance outweigh the benefits.
How Harris Associates Can Help
At Harris Associates, we understand that these regulatory changes present both an opportunity and a challenge for property investors, landlords, and asset managers. Our multidisciplinary team of chartered surveyors, quantity surveyors, and chartered engineers is well-equipped to help you navigate this evolving landscape. Here’s how we can support you:
Comprehensive Building Surveys and Energy Assessments
We provide detailed building surveys to assess the current EPC rating of your properties. Our energy assessments identify key areas for improvement, this could be through installing internal, external or cavity wall insulation, or considering air source heat pumps and smart meters. Our surveys are conducted in accordance with industry standards and are designed to provide actionable insights for cost-effective retrofitting.
Cost Consultancy and Financial Planning
Our quantity surveyors provide detailed cost analysis and financial forecasts to help you plan and budget for retrofitting works. We help you understand the potential financial impact of meeting the new EPC standards, including detailed budgets and return on investment calculations. This ensures you can make informed decisions about whether to invest in improvements now or plan for phased upgrades over time.
Regulatory Guidance and Compliance Strategy
Harris Associates' dedicated compliance team will keep you informed of all the latest regulatory developments and provide strategic guidance on how to meet these requirements, including advice on available exemptions, funding applications, and best practices for compliance.
Project Management for Retrofit Works
Our project management services can oversee the implementation of retrofit works. We coordinate with trusted contractors and ensure all work is completed to the highest standards, on time, and within budget. Our integrated approach minimises disruption to tenants while maximising your property's long-term performance and value.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Compliance is not a one-off task but an ongoing process. We offer regular review and maintenance services to ensure that your properties continue to meet the required standards over time. Our Planned Maintenance Programming (PMP) surveys help you manage long-term costs and reduce the likelihood of unexpected repairs.
The upcoming EPC requirement creates some challenges however with the right expertise and proactive planning, the process can be managed effectively to protect your investment and improve tenant satisfaction.
Our multidisciplinary team provides end-to-end support, from building surveys and energy assessments to cost consultancy and planned maintenance programming, ensuring your properties comply with new regulations and deliver long-term value and safety.
GET IN TOUCH today to discuss your property needs and schedule a consultation.