EPC C landlords Preston: housing, EPC bands and funding
EPC C landlords Preston let in an area where 22.4% of households rent privately, above the North West figure of 19.2%. This page sets out the Census 2021 data, the EPC bands, local landlord licensing and the grant position, and what the 2030 rule may mean for homes here.
Last checked: 22 October 2026. Landlords should note that EPC C by 2030 is confirmed policy, not yet law, with legislation targeted for 2027.
Private rented homes Preston: how many and what share
Preston had 59,607 households in Census 2021. Of these, 13,333 rented privately, a share of 22.4%. That is above the North West figure of 19.2% and above the England figure of 20.5%. 58.3% owned their home and 18.4% rented socially.
What kinds of homes Preston landlords let
In Preston, 29.2% of homes are terraced, 34.2% semi-detached, 19.0% detached and 17.5% flats. The North West mix is 28.1%, 36.8%, 19.0% and 15.8%.
The mix in Preston is spread across home types, so each property needs its own assessment.
Preston homes and their heating
Mains gas is the only central heating in 77.3% of Preston households (North West 78.7%). Electricity alone heats 8.1% (7.2%), and 1.7% report no central heating.
With electric heating this common in Preston, check heat pumps and storage heater upgrades where gas is absent.
Preston EPC bands from the government register
We counted the latest EPC lodged for each property in Preston on the government register on 22 October 2026.
| Measure | Preston |
|---|---|
| Homes with an EPC | 55,292 |
| Rated A to C | 55.2% |
| Rated D to G | 44.8% |
| Rated E, F or G | 6,306 homes |
Preston sits eleventh highest in our 14-council North West count for homes rated D or below. All tenures are included, so use the figures as a guide to the area, not to rentals alone.
Band D alone holds 18,456 certificates in Preston, and 6,306 more are rated E, F or G. A landlord with a home in either group faces work to reach C. The rented base is 13,333 households, 22.4% of 59,607.
Preston landlord licensing: what applies
We found no selective licensing scheme in force in Preston. The council has proposed one for the City Centre, St Matthew's and Plungington wards, for five years. Consultation ran from 27 July to 11 October 2026, with no decision or start date yet. The council says letting without a licence would be a criminal offence, with an unlimited fine or a civil penalty of up to £40,000.
Grants for Preston rental homes
We could not confirm how landlords apply for the Warm Homes Local Grant in Preston. Lancashire councils have promoted the Cosy Homes in Lancashire scheme, so check the council's energy pages for the current route.
Scheme rules are explained in our grants for landlords guide.
The £10,000 cap and who does the work in Preston
The cap is £10,000 per property, confirmed policy, and Preston spend counts from 1 October 2025. Read the cost cap guide for the detail, or the North West landlord page for the region. Delivery sits with LAMTANS Engineering Ltd; Compliant Lets is a trading name of LAMTANS Holdings Ltd.
Sources
- ONS: Census 2021 tenure, accommodation type and central heating, Preston, checked 22 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Get energy performance of buildings data, domestic certificates API, data pulled 22 October 2026
- Preston City Council: selective licensing FAQs, checked 22 October 2026
- Preston City Council: selective licensing consultation, checked 22 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Warm Homes Local Grant policy guidance, July 2026, checked 22 October 2026
Designed & developed by LAMTANS Technologies LLC, USA — part of the LAMTANS Group
Frequently asked questions
How many Preston households rent from a private landlord?
22.4% of Preston households rented privately in 2021, which is 13,333 out of 59,607. It is dated.
Do I need a landlord licence in Preston?
Not yet. A scheme is proposed for three wards, and consultation closed on 11 October 2026. We found no decision, so check the council before you let.
Where does Preston rank for poorly rated homes?
Preston is eleventh highest of 14 North West councils checked, with 44.8% of homes rated D or below.
What type of homes are most common in Preston?
semi-detached homes lead in Preston, at 34.2% of the stock.