UK Government Property Updates 2026: Renters' Rights Act and EPC C by 2030

UK property rules have moved fast in 2026. Two changes matter most to landlords, sellers and investors: the Renters' Rights Act took effect on 1 May 2026, and the government confirmed how the minimum energy efficiency standard for rented homes will rise by 2030. Both change how deals should be priced and how portfolios should be run.

1. The Renters' Rights Act is now in force (England)

Government guidance for landlords confirms the main changes that started on 1 May 2026:

• All assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies. Tenancies now run on a rolling basis and cannot carry an end date.
• Information duty. Landlords had to give existing tenants the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026; where the letting was verbal, written key terms had to be provided by the same date.
• Section 21 "no fault" evictions are gone. Possession now requires a section 8 notice on a stated ground, with notice periods of up to four months for many grounds.
• Selling or moving in. Those grounds cannot be used in the first 12 months of a tenancy.
• Rent arrears. The court only has to make a possession order where three months' rent is owed.
• Rent increases. One increase a year, using the section 13 process and Form 4A with at least two months' notice; tenants can challenge an increase above open market rent.
• Letting practice. No rent taken before the agreement is signed, no discrimination against benefit claimants or families with children, pet requests can only be refused with a valid reason, adverts must show an asking rent, and bidding above the advertised rent is not allowed.
• Enforcement. Councils have stronger investigation powers and the maximum rent repayment order has doubled from one to two years' rent.

Source: Renters' Rights Act: an overview for landlords, GOV.UK.

2. Energy standards: EPC C equivalent by October 2030

In January 2026 the government published its response on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales. The confirmed policy includes:

• a single compliance date of 1 October 2030 for the new standard;
• a dual-metric standard — a fabric performance standard first, then landlord choice between a heating system standard or a smart readiness standard;
• a cost cap of £10,000, with exemptions valid for 10 years;
• properties already holding an EPC C (including on the older energy efficiency rating, on certificates issued before 1 October 2029) recognised as compliant until that certificate expires;
• more exemptions, with existing ones amended;
• short-term lets excluded from the private rented sector standard for now.

Source: Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: government response, GOV.UK.

What this means in practice

For landlords

• Rebuild your paperwork around periodic tenancies and the section 13 rent process, and keep evidence that the information sheet or written terms were served.
• Get an up-to-date EPC and a costed improvement plan now rather than in 2029, when trades and materials will be in demand.
• Budget for compliance: works up to the £10,000 cap, plus licensing costs where a council scheme applies.

For sellers

• Poor energy ratings and awkward tenancies are increasingly priced into offers. Tidying compliance before marketing usually protects value more than discounting later.

For investors

• Underwrite the upgrade cost, not just the purchase and refurbishment. A property at EPC D or E carries a dated liability with a fixed deadline.
• Model longer void and possession timelines, because possession now depends on grounds and notice periods rather than a section 21 notice.
• Well-run, energy-efficient stock should hold demand as weaker stock leaves the sector.

A simple checklist

• Tenancy paperwork — move to periodic terms and serve the required information. Do it now.
• Rent reviews — Form 4A, one increase a year, two months' notice.
• Possession — ground-based section 8 process with a clear evidence trail.
• Energy — EPC assessment and costed upgrade plan well before 1 October 2030.
• Licensing — check local selective and HMO schemes before you buy.

Get in touch

Vestos Property sources and structures UK property opportunities and, through TP Property Services, provides photography, floor plans, inspections and viewings for landlords and agents. If you would like your property assessed against these changes, or you are a landlord considering a sale, a letting, or a Rent-to-Rent or serviced accommodation partnership, email info@vestosproperty.co.uk.

This article is general information only, based on published government guidance at the time of writing, and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Proinvestos Ltd (trading as Vestos Property) is not authorised by the FCA.