Can I rent a property with EPC rating G?
No, not without a valid exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register. Band G (1 to 20 points) is two bands below the E minimum. Letting it exposes you to penalties of up to £5,000 per property and publication.
What the law says
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 make it unlawful to let a domestic property with an EPC below band E (since 1 April 2020 for all tenancies) unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. Local authorities can impose penalties of up to £2,000 (breach under 3 months), £4,000 (3 months or more), £2,000 for ignoring a compliance notice and £1,000 for false register entries, capped at £5,000 per property. They can also publish the breach.
The 2030 C standard
On 21 January 2026 the government confirmed a single compliance date of 1 October 2030 for an EPC C level standard in the private rented sector, a £10,000 cost cap and ten year exemptions. Existing C certificates will be recognised until they expire. The regulations have not yet been laid. Treat dates and caps as announced policy.
Your options with a band G
- Install the measures recommended on the register up to the £3,500 (including VAT) cost cap, then reassess.
- If the cheapest route to E costs more than £3,500, register a high cost exemption with three quotes.
- Other routes: all improvements made, wall insulation, third party consent, devaluation, new landlord (6 months).
- Do not market or renew a tenancy until the works are done or an exemption is registered.