What Is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It also provides an estimated annual energy cost and recommendations for improving the rating.

Current Legal Requirements

• Minimum EPC rating: E — properties rated F or G cannot be let (subject to exemptions)
• EPC validity: 10 years from the date of issue
• Provide to tenant: Give a copy of the EPC to new tenants before or on the day the tenancy starts
• Provide to prospective tenants: Must be provided free of charge at the earliest opportunity when marketing the property
• Advertising: The EPC rating must be included in all property advertisements

Exemptions

A landlord may be exempt from the minimum E rating requirement if:

• High cost exemption: The cost of all relevant energy efficiency improvements exceeds £3,500 (including VAT). The landlord must install all improvements up to the £3,500 cap.
• All improvements made: All relevant improvements have been made and the property still does not reach E.
• Third-party consent refused: Consent from a tenant, superior landlord, or planning authority has been refused or granted with conditions that prevent the works.
• Property devaluation: A surveyor has confirmed that the improvements would reduce the property's market value by more than 5%.
• New tenancy exemption: A 6-month exemption applies when a new tenancy is granted and the landlord is working towards compliance.

Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register atgov.uk/energy-performance-certificate-register.

Upcoming Changes — EPC C by 2030

The government has proposed that all privately rented properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030. While legislation has not yet been passed, landlords should:

• Check the current EPC rating of all properties
• Identify what improvements are needed to reach EPC C
• Plan and budget for improvements (insulation, heating upgrades, double glazing)
• Explore available grants — Boiler Upgrade Scheme, ECO4, Great British Insulation Scheme

EPC Compliance Checklist

• Current EPC rating: _____ Valid until: __________
• EPC provided to current tenant: Yes / No — Date: __________
• EPC rating included in property advertisements: Yes / No
• If F or G: Exemption registered: Yes / No — Exemption type: _________________________
• Improvements planned to reach EPC C: _________________________

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Letting an F or G rated property without an exemption: fine of up to £30,000
• Providing false or misleading information: fine of up to £5,000
• Failure to comply with a compliance notice: fine of up to £5,000

Useful Resources

• Find an EPC assessor: gov.uk/get-new-energy-certificate
• EPC register: epcregister.com
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme: gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme
• ECO4 scheme: gov.uk/energy-company-obligation