The Property Energy Professionals Association (PEPA), which represents Energy Assessor Accreditation Schemes, has called for urgent reform of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system amid growing concern from landlords about its accuracy and usefulness.

The government has reaffirmed its ambition for all privately rented homes to achieve an EPC rating of C by 2030, with new tenancies expected to comply from 2028. The recent consultation on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) closed in May 2025, and while many anticipate a phased rollout—possibly extending to 2033 or even 2035—the direction of travel is clear: energy efficiency is shifting from aspiration to legal requirement.

Earlier this week, Leaders Romans Group (LRG) reported waning landlord confidence in the EPC framework. In a survey of its clients, only 16% of landlords said they were “very confident” in EPC ratings, and even fewer trusted the advice contained in them.

PEPA acknowledged these concerns, stating that the lack of confidence highlights an “urgent need for reform and clarity.”

Two Key Consultations Underway

PEPA stressed that two live consultations will shape the future of energy assessment and compliance in the private rented sector:

1. EPC Reform Consultation – still open, with the structure and metrics of a new EPC yet to be finalised. PEPA has long pushed for reform that delivers more accurate, actionable, and building-specific insights. These, it says, are essential if landlords are to plan effectively for MEES compliance and wider decarbonisation goals.  “We urge government to accelerate this process—landlords, tenants, and energy professionals alike need clarity and consistency.”

2. MEES Regulations Consultation – focused on how new minimum standards for private rented homes will be enforced. PEPA warns that, until final details are confirmed, energy assessors cannot provide robust advice to landlords and letting agents. The sector urgently needs clear guidance on compliance measures, enforcement, and available support.

Funding & Support

PEPA also highlighted the anticipated Warm Homes Plan, which is expected to channel billions of pounds into energy efficiency upgrades. The association says these funds will be vital in helping landlords meet minimum standards without undermining rental sector viability.

The Role of Energy Professionals

Finally, PEPA pledged that it and its members will be “at the forefront of delivering training, raising awareness, and supporting energy professionals” to interpret and apply new standards as they emerge. The goal is to ensure landlords receive consistent, high-quality advice to make informed investment and compliance decisions.

Takeaway for landlords: The timeline for EPC reform and new MEES standards is tightening, but the details are still evolving. Until government confirms the final framework, landlords are urged to:

• Monitor updates closely.

• Commission high-quality, independent EPCs to understand their property’s baseline.

• Begin exploring costed retrofit options, ready to act once standards are finalised.