The Top 5 Best Ways for Landlords to Reach EPC C

Improving rental properties to EPC C is quickly becoming a priority for landlords across the UK. Proposed government regulations indicate that privately rented homes will need to achieve EPC C by 2030, with new tenancies expected to meet the standard earlier.

While timelines continue to evolve, the direction of travel is clear: landlords who plan early will avoid costly last-minute upgrades and funding risks.

At Target Green, we support landlords, housing providers and portfolio owners across the UK in delivering compliant, cost-effective retrofit programmes. Based on our experience across large housing schemes and individual property upgrades, these are the five most effective ways to reach EPC C safely and efficiently.

1. Start with a Whole-Property Retrofit Assessment

Before installing any measures, it is essential to understand how the building performs as a system. A retrofit assessment identifies heat loss areas, moisture risks, ventilation requirements, and the most cost-effective improvement pathway.

Many projects fail to achieve EPC improvements efficiently because upgrades are installed in isolation rather than as part of a coordinated strategy.

2. Upgrade Insulation Using a Fabric-First Approach

Improving the building fabric usually delivers the greatest EPC improvement. Typical measures include:

• Loft insulation upgrades

• Cavity wall extraction and refill where suitable

• External Wall Insulation (EWI) for exposed or hard-to-treat properties

• Floor insulation where feasible

A fabric-first approach reduces long-term heating demand and supports future low-carbon heating systems.

3. Improve Windows, Doors and Airtightness

Replacing inefficient glazing and sealing uncontrolled air leakage can significantly improve EPC scores while increasing comfort.

Airtightness improvements must always be paired with a compliant ventilation strategy to prevent condensation and mould risks.

4. Upgrade Ventilation to Meet Modern Standards

As homes become more airtight, choosing the correct ventilation becomes more critical. Mechanical extract ventilation, background ventilation upgrades, or Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems ensure compliance with Building Regulations Part F while maintaining indoor air quality and moisture control.

5. Introduce Low-Carbon Heating and Renewable Technologies

Once the building fabric is improved, renewable technologies such as air source heat pumps or solar photovoltaics can provide additional EPC uplift and long-term energy savings. Installing these measures after fabric upgrades ensures systems are correctly sized and perform efficiently.

Plan Early to Avoid Costly Compliance Risks

With EPC requirements tightening across the private rented sector, early planning is the most effective way to protect asset value, maintain rental compliance, and avoid rushed or inefficient upgrades.

At Target Green, we help landlords and housing providers develop clear EPC C upgrade strategies, combining retrofit assessments, design, coordination and compliance support to deliver improvements safely and efficiently.

If you are planning EPC upgrades across your portfolio, speak to our team about developing a compliant EPC C roadmap tailored to your properties.