Many landlords may already be closer to EPC targets than expected, says Rushbrook & Rathbone
The analysis showed privately rented homes achieved an average EPC score of 68.9, above the average for owner-occupied homes at 68.1 and close to EPC C territory.
Many landlords could already be closer to meeting proposed 2030 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements than they realise, particularly those with smaller rental properties and flats, according to analysis from Rushbrook & Rathbone.
The property management specialist analysed EPC lodgement data from a sample of 589,549 certificates issued during 2026, examining how EPC scores vary across property size, type and tenure.
The research found that properties with two and three habitable rooms recorded the highest average EPC score at 70.2, placing them within the current EPC C banding range of 69 to 80.
In contrast, larger homes saw energy performance decline as property size increased. Homes with more than nine habitable rooms recorded an average EPC score of 63.0, placing them within EPC D territory.
Rushbrook & Rathbone also found flats recorded the strongest average energy performance among property types, with an average EPC score of 72.8.
This compared to 70.0 for houses, 70.1 for maisonettes and 67.6 for bungalows.
The analysis also showed privately rented homes achieved an average EPC score of 68.9, above the average for owner-occupied homes at 68.1 and close to EPC C territory.
Rushbrook & Rathbone said the findings suggest many landlords, particularly those with smaller properties and flats, may already be in a relatively strong position ahead of any future EPC changes.
However, the firm said landlords would still need to focus on maintaining standards as regulations and assessment methods continue to evolve.
Roma Sharma, managing director at Rushbrook & Rathbone, said: “There has understandably been a great deal of concern amongst landlords regarding proposed EPC requirements and the potential cost of bringing properties up to standard.
“However, what this data suggests is that many landlords may already be in a far stronger position than they expect, particularly those with smaller rental homes or flats, which naturally tend to perform better from an energy efficiency perspective.
“Over recent years, many landlords have already invested in improvements such as upgraded heating systems, insulation, glazing and lighting, often as part of wider refurbishment and maintenance programmes.
“That said, compliance is rarely something that can simply be dealt with once and then forgotten about.
“Standards, legislation and assessment methodologies continue to evolve, particularly as the private rented sector becomes more regulated.”
Sharma added: “For many landlords, the challenge over the next four years may be less about dramatic upgrades and more about ensuring standards are maintained consistently over time through proactive management, regular maintenance and ongoing investment in the property.”
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