Renters Rights Act, EPC Reform and MEES 2030
The Renters Rights Act is in force from May 2026, EPC reform is on its way, and MEES 2030 is closer than it looks. Here is what landlords in Bristol and the West of England need to know.
The Renters Rights Act 2025 is in force from 1 May. For landlords, the headline changes are the end of Section 21, the move to periodic tenancies, and a requirement to send existing tenants the government’s official information sheet by 31 May. Full details can be viewed here.
But 1st of May is just the start. Read on to head about two more significant changes coming before 2030 that are worth having on your radar now if you want to get ahead.
Repairs in Private Rentals: 10 Days to Act
The Renters Rights Act introduces strict timelines for dealing with hazards. Dangerous damp and mould in private rentals must be addressed by landlords within 10 working days. Emergency hazards within 24 hours. It brings the private rented sector in line with standards already in place for social housing under Awaab’s Law.
On the damp and mould point: in older properties it is often not a maintenance issue but a fabric one. Cold walls and poor ventilation create the conditions. Leaving it tends to make things worse and repairs more expensive down the line. Addressing the underlying cause through insulation and ventilation is what stops it recurring, and it is usually the same work that improves energy performance.
Read more here about preventing damp and mould
EPC Reform 2027 and the Home Energy Model
Alongside the changes associated with the Renters Right Act, the way EPCs are calculated is changing. EPC’s will be based on the Home Energy Model, with the UK government set to publish clear guidelines in the second half of 2027. The current system rates properties on energy costs but from October 2029 EPCs will use four metrics:
- fabric performance
- heating system
- smart readiness
- energy costs
EPCs obtained before 1st October 2029 will continue to follow the current methodology and remain valid for up to 10 years. That matters because a property that sits at Band C under the current system could look different under the new one. If you are planning improvements, it is worth thinking about what the new metrics reward rather than just optimising for a rating that is about to be replaced.
MEES 2030: EPC C by October 2030
All private rental properties in England need to reach EPC Band C by 1 October 2030, yet analysis of 29 million EPC certificates found that 33.8% of private rented properties currently fall below EPC C.
The cost cap for required improvements is £10,000 per property, or 10% of property value if lower. Work carried out from October 2025 counts toward that figure, so improvements being made now will already be contributing.
New analysis of every domestic EPC issued in England and Wales reveals 55.3% of properties – more than 16 million homes – fall below the EPC C threshold proposed as the minimum standard under government plans. The total cost of required upgrades is estimated at £111.7 billion. (Source: EPCGuide 2026)
Good installers and contractors are already busy and will be getting even busier as the October 2030 deadline approaches. An energy assessment of your property stock now is the practical starting point, it tells you where each property sits and what it would take to reach compliancy.
EPC C Reform FAQ’s
What is the cost cap for getting to EPC C?
The cost cap for required improvements is £10,000 per property, or 10% of the property value if that is lower. Any qualifying work carried out from October 2025 counts toward this figure.
What happens if my property fails EPC C by 2030?
Landlords who cannot demonstrate they have made all cost-effective improvements up to the cap, or have a valid exemption, face civil penalties of up to £30,000 per property per breach.
Do I need a new EPC before 2030?
Not immediately, but the new Home Energy Model becomes compulsory from October 2029. If your current EPC is due for renewal around that time, it will be assessed under the new system, which uses different metrics including fabric performance. It is worth factoring that into any improvement plans now.
What counts as a qualifying improvement under MEES?
Common measures include insulation (loft, wall, underfloor), heat pumps, solar panels, and smart heating controls. Even changing lighting to LED can make a difference.
Can I claim back for EPC related upgrades?
Some energy efficiency upgrades may count as revenue expenditure, meaning you can deduct the cost from your rental income in the same tax year.
In general, HMRC treats work as revenue expenditure if it:
- Repairs, maintains, or restores the property, or
- Replaces an existing system without significantly improving, enlarging, or extending it
Examples of deductible improvements include:
- Replacing a gas boiler with a low-carbon system (like a heat pump), as long as it’s a like-for-like replacement in terms of capacity and coverage
- Upgrading single-glazed windows to double glazing, where this is considered a modern equivalent rather than a major upgrade
You can usually claim for:
- Equipment and materials
- Installation costs
- Associated works (e.g. pipework, electrics, repairs)
VAT relief:
Until March 2027, some energy-saving materials and their installation, such as insulation and heat pumps, may qualify for 0% VAT, which can help reduce upfront costs.
If you receive a grant or funding:
- Only your personal contribution is tax-deductible
- Only what you pay yourself counts towards the PRS Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) cost cap
As always, tax treatment can depend on your specific circumstances, so it’s worth checking with an accountant or tax adviser before making major upgrades.
What does Retrofit West offer landlords?
Our free advice service can offer landlords tailored guidance on energy performance options, improvements to rented properties, and compliance with energy efficiency standards. Our expert advisors can offer you impartial advice on making energy efficiency improvements to your properties.
Our advisors can also help you:
- Understand the MEES and what you must do to comply
- Check the EPC of your property and understand the recommendations listed
- Assess whether you are eligible for any funding for installing energy efficiency measure
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