EPC cost cap checker: your spending limit per rental
The EPC cost cap checker works out the most you would be expected to spend to bring one rental up to EPC C. You enter the property value and the money already spent. The tool shows your headroom and the exemptions that may apply. It is free and based on government policy, not yet law.
Last updated: 21 October 2026. Law status: the cost cap and exemptions are confirmed government policy, not yet law. Legislation is targeted for 2027.
What the EPC cost cap checker asks
It asks for the figures the government's plan uses. You can run it for each rental in turn.
| You enter | What the tool does with it |
|---|---|
| Estimated property value | Tests whether the lower cap for cheaper homes applies |
| Landlord spend on measures since 1 October 2025 | Adds it to the total counting towards the cap |
| Grant or other third-party funding received | Adds it, because it counts too |
| Cost of EPC assessments and some specialist advice | Adds it, because it can count |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, if any | Leaves it out, because it does not count |
The result is the amount counted so far and the headroom left. The tool works as a spend tracker too. Keep your invoices, as you will need them as evidence.
How the EPC cost cap works
The cap is £10,000 per property, applied over a 10-year period. Source: government response, 21 January 2026, checked 21 October 2026.
The cap limits what you must spend. It does not remove the need to act. You still do what the cap allows or register an exemption.
Our full cost cap and exemptions guide sets out the rule. This page explains how the tool applies it.
The property value adjustment for cheaper homes
For a home valued under £100,000, the cap is the lower of £10,000 or 10% of its value. The government response gives the property value adjustment a typical exemption length of 10 years.
A worked example, with illustrative figures
A rental is valued at £80,000. The lower cap applies, so the limit is 10% of value, which is £8,000.
Since 1 October 2025 the landlord has spent £2,500 on loft insulation. A grant of £3,000 paid for cavity wall insulation. Together, £5,500 counts. The headroom is £2,500.
Your own figures will differ. These numbers are only to show the method.
Which EPC exemptions the checker points to
Exemptions would be recorded on the PRS Exemptions Register. They are not automatic and you must register them. The tool shows pointers, not decisions.
- If the counted spend reaches the cap, a 10-year exemption may apply.
- If the home is under £100,000 in value, the property value adjustment may apply, also for 10 years.
- If measures are too costly, or a third party refuses consent, shorter exemptions may apply.
Read our EPC C 2030 guide for the full list. The tool cannot register an exemption for you.
Turn the result into a plan
The result is a number. A plan turns it into a sequence of measures. A free EPC C assessment shows what is worth doing within your limit. Funding sits in our grants for landlords guide.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Government response on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes, checked 21 October 2026
- GMCA: Warm Homes Local Grant, privately rented scheme, checked 21 October 2026
Designed & developed by LAMTANS Technologies LLC, USA — part of the LAMTANS Group
Frequently asked questions
Is the EPC cost cap law?
Not yet. It is confirmed government policy, with legislation targeted for 2027. The rule in force today is a minimum of EPC E.
Does grant money count towards the cap?
Yes. Third-party funding, such as Warm Homes: Local Grant and ECO4, counts. Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding does not.
Does spend from before the rule count?
Spend on measures installed since 1 October 2025 counts. The government response does not say earlier spend counts.
How do I register an exemption?
Exemptions would be recorded on the PRS Exemptions Register, which is being redeveloped. The government says the register is being redeveloped. The tool therefore shows pointers only.
Can the tool guarantee an exemption?
No. It shows which exemptions may apply. Only the register can record one, and false information can itself be penalised.