Tracker last verified: 19 October 2026. Status labels: in force (law, operating today), confirmed (published government decision with a date), gov target (stated intention, timeline acknowledged as ambitious), proposed (consultation material only).
- 26 Mar 2015In force
MEES regulations made
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/962) create the minimum standard framework. SI 2015/962
- 1 Apr 2018In force
Band E floor for new tenancies
Landlords in England and Wales can no longer grant new tenancies on domestic property below band E without a registered exemption. GOV.UK MEES
- 1 Apr 2020In force
Band E floor extends to all existing lets
The E floor applies to continuing tenancies, not just new ones. The £3,500 (inc VAT) cost cap governs how much a landlord must spend trying. GOV.UK MEES
- 1 Apr 2023In force
Commercial lets: E floor for continuing leases
Non-domestic MEES extends from new leases to continuing leases across England and Wales. GOV.UK non-dom MEES
- 15 Jun 2025In force
RdSAP 10 goes live
The assessment methodology behind existing-home EPCs moves to evidence-based inputs: measured windows, ventilation detail, air pressure test results. Renewal certificates can score differently, including lower. Elmhurst RdSAP 10
- 21 Jan 2026Confirmed
EPC C by 2030 confirmed for private lets
The government response to the PRS consultation sets a single compliance date of 1 October 2030, a dual-metric standard (fabric performance first, then heating system or smart readiness), a £10,000 cost cap (spend since 1 October 2025 counts) and a cost-cap exemption lasting 10 years. Gov response Jan 2026
- 21 Jan 2026Confirmed
Four-metric EPC confirmed
The partial response to the EPB reform consultation, published the same day as the PRS response, confirms reformed EPCs will carry four headline metrics: energy cost, fabric performance, heating system and smart readiness. Existing certificates keep their 10-year validity. Partial response Jan 2026
- 9 Mar 2026Confirmed
Reformed EPC launch moved to 2027
Government drops the October 2026 target and moves the launch of reformed domestic EPCs to the second half of 2027, with a launch date and implementation plan to be agreed with industry and the devolved administrations. EPB consultation
- 1 Oct 2029Confirmed
Grandparenting cut-off for EER C
A private let whose EPC shows C or better on today's Energy Efficiency Rating, lodged before 1 October 2029, counts as compliant with the 2030 standard until that EPC expires or is replaced. Other lets must meet the standard on the new metrics. Gov response Jan 2026
- 1 Apr 2030Confirmed
Social rented homes: EPC C on one metric
The social rented sector response (1 April 2026) requires social homes in England to reach EPC C on one reformed metric by 1 April 2030, with a second metric by 2039. Gov response (social)
- 1 Oct 2030Confirmed
Band C equivalent floor for private lets
All privately rented homes in England and Wales must meet the EPC C equivalent standard or hold a valid exemption. The earlier phased 2028/2030 approach was dropped for this single date. Gov response Jan 2026
How to read the next four years
The regime is changing on three axes at once: the methodology (RdSAP 10 now, the Home Energy Model behind the reformed certificates), the certificate (four metrics, launch moved to the second half of 2027), and the obligation (band C equivalent from 1 October 2030). Most confusion online comes from mixing the axes. The certificate comparison and methodology comparison keep them apart.
Deciding when to act rather than what is changing? Should I renew my EPC now turns this timeline into a decision table by situation.