EPC Rating F Explained
Poor energy efficiency (21-38)
An EPC rating of F indicates poor energy efficiency with high energy costs of around £2,900 per year. F-rated properties cannot be legally rented in England and Wales without an exemption. About 7% of UK properties have an F rating, typically older buildings with little or no insulation and outdated heating systems.
What Does an EPC Rating F Mean?
An F-rated property has poor energy efficiency with substantial heat loss through walls, roof, and windows. These homes are expensive to heat and often struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures. Significant investment is needed to bring them up to acceptable standards.
F-rated properties cannot be legally rented under MEES regulations without a valid exemption. Landlords must either improve the property to at least an E rating or register an exemption. Owner-occupiers face no legal requirement but will pay significantly higher energy bills.
Typical Properties with Rating F
Very old or inefficient boiler
No cavity wall insulation (or solid walls)
Little or no loft insulation
Single glazing throughout
Significant draughts
Pre-1930s construction common
Energy Costs for F-Rated Properties
Properties with an EPC rating of F typically cost around £2900 per year to heat and power, based on current UK energy prices.
How to Improve from Rating F
F-rated properties require significant improvement. Multiple measures are usually needed to reach an acceptable standard:
Internal or external wall insulation
Essential for solid wall properties
Full loft insulation
Install 270mm+ if missing or inadequate
New heating system
Replace with modern condensing boiler or heat pump
Double glazing
Replace all single glazing
Can I Rent a Property with Rating F?
Cannot be legally rented
F-rated properties fail MEES requirements. Must improve to E minimum (C proposed for 2028).
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), landlords in England and Wales cannot grant new tenancies for properties rated F or G unless they have a valid exemption. The government has proposed increasing this minimum to C by 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out an F-rated property?
No, F-rated properties cannot be legally rented in England and Wales under MEES regulations. You must improve to at least E rating or obtain an exemption.
How much does it cost to improve from F to E?
Improving from F to E typically costs £3,000-£10,000 depending on the property. Reaching C (the proposed 2028 standard) may cost £10,000-£30,000.
What exemptions are available for F-rated rentals?
Exemptions include: cost exceeds £3,500 cap, consent refused by tenant/third party, property devaluation, or wall insulation unsuitable. Exemptions last 5 years.
EPC Rating Scale
Find F-Rated Properties
Search for properties with this EPC rating in your area.