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Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) provide details on the energy performance of a property and what you can do to improve it. An EPC is required for properties when constructed, sold or let. EPCs are valid for 10 years.
Energy performance is graded on a scale from A to G, with A being very efficient and G being the least efficient.
Note:
The Government intends to raise the minimum energy efficiency standard for privately rented homes in England and Wales from the current level of EPC E to EPC C from 1 October 2030. The proposed reforms include an increase to the cost cap (being the capped amount that you are required to spend to improve energy efficiency) to £10,000 with updated exemption arrangements. For more information read the Government response to the 2025 consultation on improving the energy performance of privately rented homes.Before marketing your property for sale or rent, you must order an EPC if you do not already have a valid certificate dated within the past ten years, or you could face a fine of up to £5,000 in England and Wales.
You must also provide a copy of the EPC when requested to an enforcement officer within seven days of request or face a separate fine of £200.
Since 1 April 2020, in England and Wales landlords must have a valid EPC rating of E or higher on all properties being rented out, unless exempt.
The Mortgage Works won't accept mortgage applications for properties that don't have a valid EPC rating of E or above or an exemption. This applies to properties where there are existing tenants, as well as new tenancies.
An EPC is produced after a certified assessor carries out an energy survey on a property. If you need an EPC, click on the link below to find an approved assessor who can survey your property:
If your property already has an EPC you can find it by visiting the Energy Performance of Buildings Register.
There are certain exclusions and exemptions from meeting the minimum EPC standard, see details on exemptions. If you believe your property qualifies for an exemption, this must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
If your property has an EPC rating of F or G, you'll be expected to make energy efficiency improvements required to reach an EPC rating of E.
The EPC for your property should contain a recommendations report, which should list any of the energy efficiency measures recommended for the property.
You can access government guidance to help you identify improvements which can be made.
If you are currently planning to let a property with an EPC rating of F or G, you need to improve the property's rating to E, or register an exemption, before you start a new tenancy.
If you are currently letting a property with an EPC rating of F or G, and you haven't already acted, you must improve the property's rating to E immediately, or register an exemption.
If your property is currently empty, and you are not planning to let it, you don't need to take any action to improve its rating until you decide to let it again.
The cost cap: In England and Wales, you are not currently required to spend more than £3,500 (including VAT) on energy efficiency improvements.
If you can't improve your property to EPC E for £3,500 or less, you should carry out all improvements which can be made up to that amount, then register an 'all improvements made' exemption.
There are 3 ways to fund the improvements to your property:
If you've made any energy efficiency improvements to your property since 1 October 2017, you can include the cost of those improvements within the £3,500 cost cap.
Note:
This article is provided for general information purposes only. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice should be sought in relation to any particular circumstances.
