UK Holiday Let EPC Exemption Closes October 2026
From October 2026, every short-term rental in England and Wales needs a valid Energy Performance Certificate, even when the owner pays the energy bills. The certificates themselves are also changing to multi-metric ratings.
From October 2026, every short-term rental property in England and Wales must hold a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The current exemption that lets holiday-let operators skip the requirement when they pay the energy bills is being removed entirely.
The reform, confirmed by the UK government on 21 January 2026, also replaces the familiar single-letter A–G rating with a new multi-metric certificate. If you own a holiday let that has never had an EPC (or one that expired), you have roughly two months to get an assessment booked.
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