As if the Renters’ Reform Bill wasn’t enough, letting agents are also bracing for another major shake-up that’s finally coming to a head: EPC reform.
The proposal to raise the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for rented properties from E to C has been on the table for years but there have been shifting timelines as debate has gone back and forth.
However, the expectation is clear: landlords need to upgrade. Current government guidance points to 2028 for new tenancies, and 2030 for all rentals.
That means agents need to be ready – not just to stay compliant, but to guide landlords through upgrading EPCs and all the costs, risks and deadlines that will come with it.
With rental reform already stretching resources, EPC changes could add even more admin for letting agents, especially without the right systems in place.
In this guide, we break down what’s changing, what letting agents need to do and how Alto’s lettings CRM can help you manage EPC compliance without adding to your workload.
What’s changing with EPC rules
The minimum energy efficiency standard for rental properties has been E or higher since 2018, applying to all tenancies from 2020.
Properties that fall below this threshold can’t legally be let – and non-compliance can mean fines of up to £5,000 per property.
The Government now plans to go further, proposing a minimum EPC rating of C for all rented properties.
It’s expected to come into force 2028 for new tenancies and 2030 for all rented properties, in line with the UK’s broader Net Zero 2050 targets (housing currently accounts for around 20% of the UK’s carbon emissions and EPC reform is intended to help cut our carbon footprint).
For landlords, the reform will come with a significant price tag. The average EPC upgrade is expected to cost between £6,000–£7,000, with a cap of £15,000.
Some may qualify for exemptions if costs exceed £10,000. Landlords that fail to act after the changes are in place could face substantial penalties — potentially up to £30,000 under revised enforcement proposals.
What this means for letting agents
The impact of EPC reform goes beyond compliance. It will directly affect how agents manage portfolios, support landlords and keep tenancies moving.
Here’s what we think is likely to happen:
- A drop in lettable stock. Some landlords may exit the market if upgrades are too costly, especially those with older or harder-to-improve properties.
- A surge in landlord questions. Landlords will turn to agents for advice on costs, timelines and risks.
- Pressure to support upgrades. Agents may be asked to connect landlords with contractors or grant providers, and to follow up on progress.
- More admin to track EPCs. Letting agents will need visibility over EPC ratings for their entire portfolio and a reliable system to flag properties at risk.
- Higher compliance risk. Inconsistent documentation, missed upgrades or expired certificates could result in legal issues or financial penalties for landlords.
How Alto helps letting agents stay on top of EPC compliance
As the UK’s most popular CRM for letting agents, Alto is already helping thousands of agents manage compliance at scale. With built-in tools that track, automate and organise rentals, Alto will make it easy to manage EPC reform.
Here are five of our features that will help:
1.Track and report EPC ratings easily
Staying compliant means knowing exactly where every property stands — and acting fast on those that don’t meet the mark. Alto’s EPC charts for estate agents make it simple to manage energy performance at scale.
- Use built-in templates to create and export EPC charts in seconds
- Instantly update property records and portal listings from Alto
- Visual dashboards let agents view EPC ratings at a glance across all properties
- Quickly filter and identify at-risk properties (D-rated or below)
- Prioritise landlord comms and upgrade planning based on what matters most
2. Reduce admin with smart automations
EPC reform means more pressure on landlords to upgrade — and more pressure on agents to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Alto’s lettings progression tools automate the EPC checks that matter most, helping you guide landlords through upgrades while keeping every tenancy on track.
- Automatically flag missing or out-of-date EPCs before tenancy progression continues
- Upload, store and verify EPCs within your existing workflow — no extra admin required
- Built-in triggers act as a safety net, reducing the risk of letting a non-compliant property
- Keep landlords informed early, avoiding delays or compliance issues later
3. Dynamic compliance dashboards
When EPC reform kicks in, agents will need instant oversight of which properties meet the standard – and which don’t. Alto’s handy visual dashboards give you a live view of your entire portfolio.
- Track EPC status across every property
- Easily see which homes need attention and take action fast
4. In-app guidance
EPC requirements can be complex (and ever-changing). Alto provides real-time guidance for your whole team.
- Alto explains EPC requirements and changes as you work
- Keeps your team informed, reducing mistakes or missed updates
5. Property segmentation tools
Not every rule applies to every property. Alto lets you filter and act on the right group at the right time.
- Filter properties by location, property type or tenancy status
- Quickly isolate properties that fall under EPC rules, including any region-specific regulations
Tips to support landlords now
As a letting agent, you play a vital role in helping landlords navigate EPC reform.
While enforcement isn’t expected until 2028 at the earliest, that doesn’t mean landlords can afford to wait. Proactive support now can prevent compliance issues down the line and strengthen your long-term client relationships.
Not sure where to start? Here are some practical steps you can take now:
- Review EPC ratings across your managed portfolio (Alto’s handy filters can help with this)
- Flag D-rated or lower properties and reach out to landlords to start the conversation around upgrades
- Explain what’s coming and use Alto’s built-in communication tools to send updates, reminders and tailored advice with ease
- Signpost to funding schemes, such as boiler upgrade grants or green home finance
- Encourage early action to avoid costly void periods or last-minute upgrade scrambles
Act now to stay in control
The shift to EPC C isn’t something to immediately panic about, but it is coming.
Agents who start preparing now will be better placed to support their landlords, protect their portfolios and navigate a more regulated lettings market with confidence.
Alto gives you the tools, insights and automations you need to stay compliant, without adding even more admin to your plate.
Ready to get ahead of EPC compliance?
Book a free demo of Alto now.
