EPC

An EPC contains:

• information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
• recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money

An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are needed whenever a property is:

• built
• sold
• rented

You must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property to sell or rent. You can be fined if you do not get an EPC when you need one.

The person selling the house, the landlord or the letting agent must show you the EPC if you’re buying or renting.

Buildings that do not need an EPC

These include:

• places of worship
• temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years
• stand-alone buildings with total useful floor space of less than 50 square metres
• industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that do not use a lot of energy
• some buildings that are due to be demolished
• holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than 4 months a year or is let under a licence to occupy
• listed buildings - you should get advice from your local authority conservation officer if the work would alter the building’s character
• residential buildings intended to be used less than 4 months a year

How to get an EPC

You’ll need to find an accredited assessor of which we can help arrange for you. They’ll assess your property and produce the certificate.

EPC’s and Rentals

Since 4 May 2020

Guidance was updated to reflect change that as of 1 April 2020, landlords can no longer let or continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E, unless they have a valid exemption in place.

Over the next few years the minimum rating for a rental property is likely to increase to Band C, currently this is projected for 2028.