EPC C targets push landlords towards the exit
2 weeks ago | 2 comments
Landlords told to prepare early for EPC C 2030 upgrades
8:02 AM, 20th May 2026, 2 weeks ago
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A firm has warned landlords to act now rather than later to meet the EPC C 2030 deadline.
Glevum Windows says that with the Renters’ Rights Act now in force, landlords should start preparing upgrades without delay.
According to BTL lender The Mortgage Works, only one in three landlords (33%) has a clear understanding of the cost of upgrading their properties, while 63% say they do not know how much it will cost to bring their properties up to standard.
A full upgrade can meaningfully improve an EPC rating
According to the data, 33.8% of private rented homes are still below EPC C, and the firm warns landlords need to act now.
Mike Donaldson, the firm’s managing director, said: “The 2030 deadline feels distant, but the installation pipeline won’t wait, and landlords are only just waking up to the fact that windows are often the first thing an EPC assessor looks at.
“Most landlords still don’t know what’s required or what it will cost, and by the time they do, lead times will have stretched significantly. Those who act now get better availability, better pricing, and the certainty that they’re compliant well ahead of the rush.
“A full upgrade can meaningfully improve an EPC rating, eliminate the condensation that leads to damp and mould, and reduce a tenant’s bills. For landlords, that’s one conversation that solves three problems at once.”
The firm says windows are one of the most overlooked and impactful factors in a property’s EPC rating.
They account for up to 25% of heat loss in a typical UK home, yet the firm claims 10% of privately rented properties currently suffer from damp, more than double the rate seen in owner-occupied homes.
Fix damp and mould within strict timeframes
The government has not yet confirmed a date for implementation, but Awaab’s Law is expected to come into force during phase three of the Act, in 2027.
The law will require landlords to fix damp and mould within strict timeframes.
Whilst the government has not yet set out what these timeframes will be for the private rented sector, for social housing, all emergency hazards need to be fixed within 24 hours and any potential significant hazards must be investigated within 10 working days of becoming aware of them.
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Member Since May 2026 - Comments: 1
2:22 AM, 22nd May 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by JB at 20/05/2026 – 11:25
Epc does not need renewed while there’s a sitting tenant. Only when a house is vacant and epc is expired. Need a new one before a new tenant can rent the property.
Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 794
8:54 AM, 22nd May 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Gemma Sayer at 22/05/2026 – 02:22
My understanding is that you wont be able to let a property with EPC D. Are you saying that if the tenants are already in situ, a D rating will be OK until they leave? I don’t believe that’s correct
Member Since January 2023 - Comments: 152
1:08 PM, 22nd May 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by JB at 22/05/2026 – 08:54
I think that is what he is saying. My practice is to renew any expired EPC but it may well be unnecessary until a new lease is to be granted or the property is marketed for sale or rent
Member Since May 2023 - Comments: 5
4:12 PM, 24th May 2026, About 1 week ago
Wow, double glazing company telling landlords windows will make a significant difference to your epc! Couldn’t be more wrong. Glass is a major heat loss but old glass or new it will still be a major heat loss. As an EPC assessor windows are the last thing I would recommend to improve your epc as cost verses improvement to ratings is very high. In most cases, even in older properties there is a cheaper alternative. I would definitely say consider solar panels as these really will show a significant improvement to your epc rating and are probably far cheaper than a full set of new windows. Until they completely revamp the epc energy model gas is still the preferred (cheapest) heating option for any property and will always be recommended by the epc software when a gas supply is avaliable. A complete contradiction to government policy on gas boilers I know, but there you go. I would advise finding a good Assessor who can recommend the easieat/cheapest way to get your property to a C rating before you spend any money.
Member Since January 2023 - Comments: 152
4:47 PM, 24th May 2026, About 1 week ago
I would not take the same position as some who comment here. Everything takes longer to implement than might be supposed. Therefore start chipping away at the problem by adding solar panels where it is straightforward to do so. If it gets you out of trouble and still in the game with minimal disruption to tenants, its good.. Until I got started with solar I couldnt see the merit, thought it was far too expensive and of little benefit to us the landlord. Compared to other changes to the letting house its far from expensive. Tenants like it too and will I expect value the improved proposition