If you own rental property in Solihull — whether a 1930s semi in Olton, a post-war terrace in Lyndon, a detached home in Shirley, or a flat near Solihull town centre — 2026 is the year to take EPC compliance seriously.
The government’s proposed minimum EPC C rating for new tenancies from 2028 is no longer a distant concern. It is a practical planning deadline, and the window to act is now. For landlords with older stock across B92 and B90, the upgrade pressure is real. For those with newer builds in B91, the picture may already be more positive — but every portfolio is different.
This guide is designed to cut through the noise and give Solihull landlords clear, localised advice on what the EPC changes mean, where the pressure is greatest, and how to protect your rental income without unnecessary stress.
What the EPC C minimum means for Solihull landlords
Under current government proposals, all new tenancies in England must meet a minimum EPC C rating from 2028, with all existing tenancies required to comply by 2029. While the exact legislative timeline may still evolve, the direction of travel is clear, and 2026 is widely regarded as the critical planning window.
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rates a property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Currently, the legal minimum for letting is EPC E. Moving the goalposts to EPC C represents a significant shift — and for many landlords in Solihull, it will require investment.
The cost of non-compliance is not just a fine. It is the risk of being unable to let your property legally, losing rental income during void periods, and facing reduced asset value at sale.
Where upgrade pressure is greatest: B92 and older B90 stock
Not all of Solihull’s rental market faces the same challenge. The upgrade pressure varies considerably by postcode, property age and construction type.
B92: Olton and Lyndon
Much of the rental stock in B92 — covering Olton and Lyndon — consists of pre-1970s terraced and semi-detached properties. These homes were built before modern insulation standards and often have solid walls, older boilers, single-glazed windows or outdated heating controls.
Properties of this type frequently sit at EPC D or E. Reaching EPC C typically requires a combination of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation (where applicable), double glazing upgrades and a modern, efficient boiler. In some solid-wall properties, external or internal wall insulation may also be needed — a more costly intervention.
Landlords in Olton and Lyndon should treat 2026 as the year to commission an updated EPC assessment and obtain improvement quotes. Acting early gives you the time to plan, budget and phase works between tenancies without unnecessary disruption.
B90: Shirley and Marston Green
Parts of B90 — particularly older streets in Shirley and Marston Green — face similar challenges. Shirley has a mixed stock profile: some 1950s and 1960s semis sit alongside more modern developments. The older properties in this area may already be borderline EPC D, and relatively modest improvements could tip them into EPC C territory.
Marston Green, with its proximity to Birmingham Airport and strong commuter demand, has long been popular with professional tenants. Landlords here should be aware that tenant expectations around energy efficiency are rising. A well-insulated, efficiently heated home is increasingly a factor in tenant choice — and a property that achieves EPC C will be more competitive than one that does not.
B91: Solihull town centre — a different starting point
Newer flats and apartments in and around Solihull town centre — particularly those built in the last 15 to 20 years — are generally better placed. Modern construction standards mean many B91 properties already sit at EPC C or above. Landlords with newer stock in this area may find their compliance position is already strong.
That said, it is worth confirming your current EPC rating and expiry date. EPCs are valid for ten years, and an older certificate may not reflect improvements made since it was issued — or may be due for renewal before the 2028 deadline.
How EPC improvements affect your rental income and asset value
The business case for upgrading is stronger than many landlords initially assume.
Achievable rent and tenant appeal
Energy-efficient homes are increasingly attractive to tenants, particularly professional renters and families who are conscious of monthly running costs. A property with a modern boiler, good insulation and low energy bills commands stronger rental demand — and in a competitive market like Solihull, that translates directly into achievable rent and shorter void periods.
Research consistently shows that EPC C properties achieve higher rents than equivalent EPC D or E properties. With Solihull’s rental market remaining robust in 2026, landlords who invest now are well-positioned to benefit.
Void risk and long-term performance
A property that cannot legally be let is a property generating no income. Beyond the 2028 compliance deadline, there is a more immediate risk: tenants are already factoring energy costs into their decisions. A property with a poor EPC rating may sit empty for longer, reducing your annual yield even before any legal minimum applies.
Staged improvements — planned across 2026 and 2027 — allow you to spread costs, time, and work between tenancies and avoid the disruption of rushed upgrades closer to the deadline.
The wider 2026 lettings landscape for Solihull landlords
EPC compliance does not sit in isolation. Solihull landlords in 2026 are navigating a broader set of changes and pressures.
The Renters’ Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Act is progressing through Parliament and will introduce significant changes to the lettings landscape in England. The abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, the move to periodic tenancies and strengthened tenant rights all place greater emphasis on robust, compliant property management.
For landlords in Solihull, this means that having the right management structure in place — with proper tenancy agreements, documented inspections and clear processes — is more important than ever. It is not a reason to exit the market; it is a reason to ensure your management approach is fit for purpose.
Solihull’s licensing position
One genuinely positive aspect of letting in Solihull is the absence of a borough-wide selective licensing scheme. Unlike some neighbouring areas, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has not introduced blanket licensing requirements for private landlords. This keeps the administrative burden lower for landlords operating compliantly — and rewards those who already manage their properties to a high standard.
That said, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) remain subject to mandatory licensing requirements, and landlords with HMO stock should ensure their licences are current.
Deposit protection and client money protection
With regulatory scrutiny increasing, landlords should also confirm that their deposits are held in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme and that any agent managing their property holds client money protection insurance. These are not optional extras — they are legal requirements, and non-compliance carries real risk.
At Martin & Co Solihull, these protections are built into every management service as standard.
Practical steps for Solihull landlords in 2026
Step one: check your current EPC rating
Start by confirming the current EPC rating for each property in your portfolio. If your certificate is more than five years old, consider commissioning a fresh assessment — particularly if you have made any improvements since the last one was issued.
Step two: understand the gap
An EPC assessor can provide a detailed breakdown of recommended improvements and their likely impact on your rating. This gives you a clear picture of what is needed and at what cost — before you commit to any works.
Step three: plan and phase improvements
For properties in B92 or older parts of B90, a phased improvement plan is often the most practical approach. Loft insulation and boiler upgrades are typically the most cost-effective first steps. More complex interventions — such as wall insulation — can be assessed once the simpler measures are in place.
Step four: review your management arrangement
Whether you self-manage or use an agent, 2026 is a good moment to review your management arrangement. With the Renters’ Rights Act changes on the horizon and EPC compliance requiring careful timing of works, having a knowledgeable, responsive local team managing your property makes a material difference.
How Martin & Co Solihull, supports landlords through compliance changes
Martin & Co Solihull works with landlords across B90, B91 and B92 — from single-property landlords to those managing larger portfolios. Our team understands the specific challenges of Solihull’s older housing stock and the compliance landscape facing landlords in 2026 and beyond.
With over 30 years of experience in residential lettings and more than 41,000 properties managed across the Martin & Co network, we have the knowledge and the processes to help you navigate EPC requirements, the Renters’ Rights Act and everything in between — without unnecessary stress.
Our management services range from tenant finding through to our fully comprehensive premium managed service, which includes rent and legal protection. Every service includes robust compliance support, government-approved deposit protection and transparent, straightforward fees with no hidden costs.
We let 370 new properties every week across the network and use state-of-the-art tenant referencing to minimise void periods and protect your rental income. Our local team in Solihull are your dedicated point of contact — people who know this market, know these streets and understand what it takes to let property here successfully.
Protecting your investment with the right local advice
The EPC C minimum is coming. For landlords with older stock in Olton, Lyndon, Shirley and Marston Green, the planning window is now. But with the right local advice, a staged improvement plan and robust management in place, the path to compliance is entirely manageable.
Solihull remains a strong lettings market in 2026. Demand from professionals, families and commuters — drawn by excellent schools, strong transport links and the ongoing appeal of the area — continues to support healthy rental values. Landlords who invest in their properties now will be well placed to benefit from that demand for years to come.
The key is not to wait. Commission your EPC assessment, understand your position, and take the first step with a team you can trust.
To find out where your Solihull rental property stands and what improvements could mean for your rental income, get in touch with Martin & Co Solihull today. Our team offers a free, no-obligation market appraisal and can walk you through your compliance position with clear, practical advice.
Book a free valuation with Martin & Co Solihull and take the first step towards a fully compliant, well-performing rental portfolio.
Contact our Solihull branch directly to speak with a member of our local lettings team — we are here to help you make informed decisions without any fuss.
