What Is an EPC and When Does Your Rental Property Need One?

If you're a landlord in England or Wales, an Energy Performance Certificate — commonly known as an EPC — is not optional. It's a legal requirement, and getting it wrong can result in fines, an inability to let your property, and complications when it comes to selling.

Here's everything you need to know.

What Is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An EPC is an official document that rates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It also provides an estimate of the property's energy costs and makes recommendations for improvements that could raise the rating.

EPCs are produced by qualified Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) who visit the property, carry out an assessment, and lodge the certificate on the national EPC register, where it remains publicly accessible.

Is an EPC a Legal Requirement for Rental Properties?

Yes. Under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012, landlords must have a valid EPC before they can market a property for rent. The EPC must be made available to prospective tenants at the earliest opportunity and provided to the tenant when they move in.

Failure to have a valid EPC can result in a fine of up to £5,000.

What Is the Minimum EPC Rating for Rental Properties?

Since April 2020, all rental properties in England and Wales must have a minimum EPC rating of E. Properties rated F or G cannot legally be let unless a valid exemption applies and has been registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.

What Are the Upcoming EPC Changes for Landlords?

The UK Government has indicated intentions to raise the minimum EPC rating requirement for rental properties to C in the coming years. While the precise timeline has been subject to change and landlords should check the latest government guidance for current requirements, the direction of travel is clear — energy efficiency standards for rental properties are going up.

This means that if your property currently has a D or E rating, it is worth planning ahead. The recommendations section of your EPC will indicate what improvements would be needed to raise the rating, and how much they are estimated to cost.

How Long Does an EPC Last?

An EPC is valid for 10 years. If your property already has a valid EPC that is less than 10 years old, you do not need to commission a new one unless significant changes have been made to the property that might affect its energy efficiency.

What Happens During an EPC Assessment?

A qualified assessor visits the property and collects information about its construction, insulation, heating system, windows, and other features that affect energy efficiency. The assessment typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the property.

The assessor then uses this information to calculate the property's energy efficiency rating and produce the EPC, which is lodged on the national register.

EPC Assessments From Capital Complete Solutions

Capital Complete Solutions are qualified to carry out EPC assessments for rental properties across Birmingham, the West Midlands, and Warwickshire. We produce the certificate and lodge it on the national register — keeping you legally compliant and ready to let.

We can combine an EPC assessment with an inventory inspection or other service, making it a convenient and cost-effective visit. Call us on 0121 582 4070, email info@capital-cs.com, or message us on WhatsApp to arrange an assessment.