England and Wales will bar landlords from renting properties that fail to meet a minimum EPC rating of C from October 2030. A survey by buy‑to‑let lender The Mortgage Works shows most owners are unaware of the change. In response, the lender launched a pilot with retrofit firm Eco Approach, offering free surveys and discounted loans to help landlords upgrade their stock.

Research found 67 per cent of landlords didn’t know the new C‑rating requirement, and seven out of ten were unclear on the October 2030 start date. Government data shows 55 per cent of England’s private‑rented homes—about 2.5 million units—fall below grade C. The pilot targets 1,000 properties that miss the threshold, supplying cost estimates and advice on retrofit measures.

To finance upgrades, The Mortgage Works is offering “further‑advance” loans of up to £15,000 at a fixed 2.99 % rate for two or five years, with no arrangement fee. Exemptions apply if landlords spend at least £10,000 on improvements yet still fall short of C. The scheme aims to reduce uncertainty, protect rental income streams and protect lenders from a wave of non‑compliant assets.