Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): What Landlords and Sellers Need to Know

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that shows how energy-efficient a property is. It provides an energy rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), along with recommendations for improving efficiency.

EPCs are used by buyers, tenants, lenders, surveyors and regulators to understand expected energy performance and running costs. In most cases, an EPC is a legal requirement when a property is sold or let, and issues around EPCs are a common cause of avoidable delays.

When Is an EPC Legally Required?

An EPC is legally required in the following situations:

• When a property is sold
• When a property is let to a new tenant
• When a property is marketed for sale or rent, including online listings

The EPC must be available at the point of marketing — not after an offer has been accepted. This requirement often catches sellers and landlords off guard, particularly in fast-moving local markets such as Stoke-on-Trent and Chelmsford.

How Long Does an EPC Last?

An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date it is lodged on the national register.

Once an EPC expires, it can no longer be used for marketing, selling, or letting a property. A new assessment must be carried out before the property can be advertised again.

This issue is becoming increasingly common as EPCs issued during 2015–2016 reach the end of their validity. For a detailed explanation, see our guide on when EPCs expire and when a new one is needed.

When Is a New EPC Needed?

A new EPC is required if:

• The existing EPC has expired
• The property is being sold or let and no valid EPC exists

A new EPC is not legally required simply because improvements have been made, but many sellers and landlords choose to commission a new certificate so the rating accurately reflects the property.

Minimum EPC Ratings for Landlords

Under current regulations in England and Wales, most privately rented properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of E before they can be let.

This applies to:

• New tenancies
• Renewed or continuing tenancies (subject to specific exemptions)

There has been extensive discussion about raising the minimum standard to C. However, landlords should note that E remains the current legal requirement. Misunderstanding this point is one of the most common compliance issues, as outlined in our article on common EPC mistakes that delay sales and rentals.

EPCs and Listed Buildings

A common misconception is that all listed buildings are exempt from EPC requirements. This is not automatically the case.

A listed building may be exempt only if complying with minimum energy efficiency requirements would unacceptably alter its character or appearance. In practice:

• Many listed buildings do require an EPC
• Each case must be assessed individually
• An exemption is not assumed simply because a property is listed

What Happens If You Don’t Have an EPC?

Failing to obtain an EPC when one is legally required can result in enforcement action by the local authority.

Possible consequences include:

• Financial penalties
• Property listings being removed from portals
• Delays to sales or lettings

These issues often arise late in transactions and are closely linked to the wider impact EPCs now have on property values and buyer behaviour, explored in our article on how EPC ratings affect house prices, rentals and buyer demand.

Common EPC Myths and Misunderstandings

• “An EPC is only needed once” — EPCs expire after 10 years.
• “Listed buildings never need EPCs” — Many do.
• “EPCs affect council tax” — They do not.
• “An EPC shows actual energy bills” — It shows modelled performance.
• “Only landlords need EPCs” — Sellers also require them.

Using EPCs in Practice

EPCs are routinely referenced by estate agents, surveyors, lenders and journalists when discussing housing quality and affordability.

Local EPC data is often particularly relevant in areas with older housing stock, such as Blackpool or Hull, where EPC ratings can influence marketing strategy and buyer expectations.

Booking an EPC

Where a new EPC is required, it must be carried out by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor.

Appointments can be arranged in advance to avoid delays during property transactions. EPCs can be booked via the online booking page.

Conclusion

Energy Performance Certificates remain a core part of the UK property system. While the rules themselves are straightforward, misunderstandings around validity, exemptions and landlord obligations are common.

Ensuring a valid EPC is in place at the right time helps avoid delays, penalties and unnecessary complications when selling or letting property.