If you rent out property in Kent, there’s now a clear deadline to work towards.
From 2030, landlords will need to ensure their rental properties meet a minimum EPC rating of C, replacing the current EPC E requirement under MEES regulations.
Although 2030 may sound distant, many landlords across Canterbury, Deal, Dover, Margate and Ashford are already asking what this means in practice.
What is changing?
At the moment:
- Rental properties must meet EPC E or above
From 2030:
- Minimum standard increases to EPC C
This applies to most privately rented homes and will affect both new and existing tenancies.
What this means for landlords in Kent
Much of Kent’s rental stock is older housing. In our EPC assessments, we commonly see rental properties sitting at:
- EPC D
- EPC E
Often due to:
- Older boilers
- Limited insulation
- Electric heating without solar
- Single glazing
Moving from E or D to C usually requires planned improvements, not just a single upgrade.
EPC ratings and heating upgrades
One important point landlords should understand is how EPCs are currently calculated.
EPCs are based on modelled running costs, not just energy efficiency. This means some low-carbon upgrades — such as heat pumps — don’t always increase EPC ratings as much as expected under the current system.
Because of this, the most reliable ways to improve EPC ratings often include:
- Insulation upgrades
- Efficient heating systems
- Modern heating controls
- Low-energy lighting
A professional landlord EPC assessment in Kent will show which measures actually move the rating.
Landlord EPC assessments in Kent
Why acting early makes sense
Leaving EPC upgrades until closer to 2030 carries risks:
- Installer availability may tighten
- Upgrade costs could rise
- Some work requires tenant coordination
- Non-compliant properties may become harder to let
From a business point of view, EPC C properties are more resilient to future regulation and more attractive to tenants concerned about energy bills.
Our advice as a local EPC assessor
If you’re a landlord in Kent, the smartest step right now is understanding where your property stands.
A current EPC gives you:
- Your actual rating
- A list of recommended improvements
- A realistic pathway towards EPC C
Improve your EPC rating to C
Book a landlord EPC in Canterbury, Whitstable, Ashford