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What is EPC rating bands?
Last verified 31 October 2026
EPC rating bands are the letter bands on an Energy Performance Certificate that show how energy efficient a property is. For lettings, the band that matters most is E, because it is the minimum standard for a covered rented property under the guidance for England.
Why it matters to landlords
Since 1 April 2020, a landlord cannot let or continue letting a covered property rated F or G unless a valid exemption is in place. The check is a practical one: look up your current certificate before you advertise or renew, and book improvements early if you are close to the line.
If you cannot reach band E within the cost cap of £3,500 including VAT, make all the improvements that fit within it and then register an exemption. Exemptions are registered on the PRS Exemptions Register and apply from the date they are registered. Most last 5 years, including the high cost, wall insulation, third party consent and property devaluation exemptions. The exemption for someone who has only recently become a landlord lasts 6 months. Evidence is uploaded to the register as a file of up to 20 MB, and the public can search the register. Check the rules for Scotland and Northern Ireland separately.
Example
Hannah inherits a terraced house in Leeds with an EPC in band F. She pays £1,900 for loft insulation and draught proofing, reaches band E, and lets it. If the best she could reach was still F after spending the £3,500 cap, she would register a high cost exemption and have 5 years before she had to look at it again.
Related terms
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard)
- PRS Exemptions Register
- Void period