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EPCs: A Guide for Landlords in England
Understand EPC ratings, your responsibilities before marketing a rental property, the minimum energy efficiency rules and how to find or obtain a certificate.
At a glance: what landlords need to know
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Most homes need a valid EPC when marketed for rent, and the rating must appear in commercial property advertisements.
Current minimum: Most privately rented homes covered by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) must achieve E or above, unless a valid registered exemption applies. Official MEES guidance →
What is an EPC?
An EPC provides a standardised assessment of the energy efficiency of a building, using information about its construction, insulation, heating and other features. It also contains recommendations for improving energy performance.
The rating is based on standard assumptions, so it is not a guarantee of an individual tenant’s actual energy bills. An EPC is not a gas safety, electrical safety or boiler-condition certificate.
Find your property’s EPC on the official register
Already have an EPC but cannot find the paperwork? The official government register lets you search by postcode, street and town, or certificate number. You can view the rating, recommendations and expiry date, and download the certificate where it is publicly available.
Check your EPC
Use the official government search service. Enter your property’s postcode or EPC certificate number on the next page.
Opens the official GOV.UK EPC register service in a new tab. No details are collected by The Online Letting Agents.
When does a landlord need an EPC?
Before marketing
If no valid EPC exists, an EPC must normally be commissioned before a property is marketed for rent. Letting agents must be satisfied that it has been commissioned.
During advertising
The property’s energy efficiency rating must be shown in advertisements where available, including online property listings.
For prospective tenants
The EPC must be made available at the earliest required opportunity, including when written particulars are first provided or when the property is viewed, as applicable.
For the incoming tenant
The landlord must give the person who becomes the tenant a valid EPC free of charge.
If an EPC has been commissioned but not yet obtained, the rules require all reasonable efforts to obtain it within seven days, with a further 21 days in qualifying circumstances. This is not permission to delay commissioning it until after advertising. Read the government marketing guidance →
How long does an EPC last?
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years, unless a newer EPC is issued for the same property. It can generally be reused for subsequent lettings during its validity period.
What EPC rating does a rental property need?
Under the current domestic MEES rules, landlords must not grant or continue a tenancy where the EPC rating is F or G unless a valid exemption is registered. The present minimum standard is therefore E.
Ratings A–E
Generally satisfy the current EPC E minimum rating, although all other letting requirements still apply.
Ratings F–G
Usually require energy efficiency improvements or a valid registered exemption before the property can lawfully be let under the MEES rules.
MEES applies to relevant tenancy types where the property is legally required to have an EPC. It does not automatically cover every form of residential occupation. Check which properties are covered →
Are EPC rules changing in 2030?
The government has confirmed its policy direction for a higher minimum energy efficiency standard for privately rented homes, with a single compliance date of 1st October 2030. The announced approach uses revised measures of building performance, rather than simply relying on the existing headline A–G rating.
The government has also announced a proposed £10,000 cost cap under the future framework and transitional recognition for qualifying existing EPC C certificates. These future requirements are distinct from the current EPC E regulations; landlords should check the latest legislation and implementation guidance before committing to major expenditure.
What if the property cannot reach EPC E?
Some properties qualify for a MEES exemption, but it must be properly registered on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register before it can be relied upon. An exemption is not the same as simply having an EPC rating below E.
- All relevant improvements made: The property remains below E after qualifying improvements have been made.
- High-cost exemption: Even the cheapest qualifying recommended improvement exceeds the current £3,500 cost cap (including VAT), supported by the required evidence.
- Wall insulation exemption: Appropriate expert advice shows that certain insulation work would damage the building.
- Consent or devaluation exemptions: Available in specified circumstances, subject to evidence.
- Temporary exemptions: May apply when someone has only recently become the landlord.
Exemption types have different requirements and durations. Some are valid for five years; others may be shorter. An exemption may also cease to apply when ownership changes.
How can landlords improve their EPC rating?
The recommendations in your property’s EPC are a useful starting point. Depending on the building, potential measures may include:
Insulation and draught-proofing
Loft, roof, wall or floor insulation, together with appropriate draught-proofing measures.
Heating and controls
Efficient heating equipment, suitable controls and improved hot-water efficiency.
Windows and glazing
Improved glazing where practical, permitted and appropriate for the building.
Lighting and renewables
Energy-efficient lighting and, where suitable, solar or other low-carbon technologies.
Recommendations are property-specific. Seek professional advice before undertaking costly works, particularly in leasehold, conservation or traditionally constructed buildings. A fresh EPC assessment may be needed to establish the rating after improvements.
How do I obtain a new EPC?
If your property does not have a valid EPC, or you need an updated assessment, The Online Letting Agents can help you arrange a new Energy Performance Certificate.
- Check your existing EPC: Search the official register to see whether your property already has a valid certificate.
- Place your order with us: Visit our EPC ordering page to request a new certificate for your rental property.
- Arrange the assessment: An accredited energy assessor will need to assess the property’s relevant energy-efficiency features.
- Receive your EPC: The assessor lodges the completed certificate on the official register, where it can be accessed.
Need a new EPC for your rental property?
We can help you take care of this important part of preparing your property for the rental market. Order your EPC through The Online Letting Agents now.
What happens if a landlord does not comply?
Failing to meet EPC marketing and provision requirements can lead to enforcement action, including a £200 fixed penalty in specified circumstances. Separate, potentially more substantial financial penalties can apply for breaches of the domestic MEES rules.
Local authorities enforce these obligations. A failure to comply can also delay marketing or letting and create problems during a tenancy. Read about MEES enforcement →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new EPC every time a tenant moves in?
No. A valid EPC can normally be reused within its ten-year validity period, unless a newer certificate has superseded it.
Can I advertise a property while waiting for an EPC?
The EPC must normally have been commissioned before marketing begins if there is no valid certificate. The rules also require reasonable efforts to obtain it promptly and to provide the required information to prospective tenants.
Does an EPC C automatically meet the 2030 requirements?
The government has announced transitional recognition for qualifying existing EPC C certificates, but the details of future compliance should be checked against the rules in force at the relevant time.
Does an HMO need an EPC?
It depends on the building and how it is let. A self-contained unit may need its own EPC, while an individual room is not normally treated as a separate building unit for EPC purposes. Seek advice for complex HMO arrangements.
Are listed buildings automatically exempt?
No. The EPC exception for protected buildings is conditional, and a separate analysis may be needed for MEES. Do not rely on listed status alone.
Official guidance and further reading
General information for private landlords in England, reviewed October 2026. This is not individual legal advice. EPC requirements and future standards may change; check current official guidance before acting.