Minimum energy efficiency standards are tightening. Cavity wall insulation is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to improve your EPC rating — and stay ahead of the regulations that protect your lettings.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) set the legal minimum EPC rating for rental properties in England and Wales. Getting ahead now protects your income and avoids rushed, costly upgrades later.
Since April 2020, landlords in England and Wales cannot grant new tenancies on properties with an EPC rating below E. Since April 2023, this applies to all existing tenancies too — including long-standing ones.
Proposals to raise the minimum to EPC C are in circulation. Whether or not the timeline changes, the direction of travel is clear. Properties that don't meet the standard become unlettable — and unmortgageable.
Landlords could no longer grant new tenancies on properties rated F or G. The minimum EPC rating for new lets became E.
The EPC E minimum now applies to every rental property — not just new lets. Properties rated F or G became unlawful to let regardless of tenancy start date.
If your property is currently rated F or G, it cannot legally be let. If it's rated D or E, cavity wall insulation is often the single most cost-effective way to push it to C — ahead of any future requirement.
Government proposals would require all rental properties to meet EPC C. The timeline is subject to change but the direction is clear. Landlords who act now avoid higher costs and tighter deadlines later.
Most rental properties rated D, E, or F can gain 1–2 EPC bands from cavity wall insulation alone. For many landlords, that's the difference between compliant and non-compliant.
Meeting the EPC minimum is the floor, not the ceiling. Here is everything that improves when you insulate your rental properties.
Non-compliant properties cannot be let. Staying ahead of MEES protects your ability to rent — and mortgage — your properties without interruption.
Tenants in warmer, more efficient properties spend less on heating. That means fewer complaints, better relationships, and lower void rates.
A higher EPC rating is a documented, verifiable improvement that shows up in valuations — important if you're looking to refinance or sell.
All installation work is carried out from outside the property. Tenants don't need to leave and their daily routine is completely unaffected.
Every installation is certified under PAS 2035 with a CIGA-backed guarantee. The certification is transferable — adding documented value at sale.
We can co-ordinate surveys and installations across multiple properties. Speak to us about portfolio pricing.
From your first enquiry to a certified, compliant property — here is exactly what to expect at every stage.
Tell us how many properties you have and what you need. One form covers your entire portfolio.
⏱ 60 secondsFirst Choice Energy Ltd will call you to discuss your portfolio and arrange free surveys at each property.
⏱ Within 24 hoursEach property is surveyed to confirm suitability. Tenants don't need to be present. No obligation to proceed.
⏱ ~30 mins per propertyAll work is carried out from outside. Tenants are completely undisturbed. Most properties are done in a single day.
⏱ 1 day per propertyYou receive a PAS 2035 certificate and 25-year CIGA guarantee for each property. EPC improvement confirmed.
⏱ Guaranteed 25 yearsFree surveys included. You'll hear back within 24 hours.
Get a free landlord quote today. You'll hear back within 24 hours.