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, and regulators to understand the expected energy performance and running costs of a building. In most cases, an EPC is a legal requirement when a property is sold or let.

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 to prospective buyers or tenants at the point of marketing, not after an offer has been accepted.

In most cases, responsibility for obtaining an EPC falls on the seller or landlord, although estate and letting agents are required to ensure that one is in place before marketing.

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 if the property is placed back on the market.

It is important to note that EPCs do not update automatically. If energy improvements are made to a property, the existing EPC will not reflect those changes unless a new EPC is commissioned.

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 update their EPC so that 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 requirement applies to:

• New tenancies
• Renewed or continuing tenancies (with some exemptions)

There has been significant discussion in recent years about raising the minimum standard to C for rented properties. While proposals have been consulted on, landlords should note that:

• The minimum rating of E remains the current legal requirement
• Any future changes would require new legislation and lead-in times

Landlords should always check the most up-to-date guidance before making compliance decisions.

EPCs and Listed Buildings

One of the most common misconceptions 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

Property owners should seek professional advice rather than relying on assumptions.

What Happens If You Don’t Have an EPC?

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

Possible consequences include:

• Financial penalties issued by the local authority
• Delays to property sales or lettings
• Listings being removed from property portals

For landlords, letting a property without a valid EPC can also create compliance issues if enforcement action is taken.

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, not usage.
• “Only landlords need EPCs” – Sellers also require them.

Using EPCs in Practice

EPCs are commonly used by estate agents, surveyors, lenders, and journalists as a standard reference point when discussing housing quality, affordability, and energy efficiency.

For example, local EPC information can be relevant when discussing property markets in specific areas such as Blackpool or Preston, where housing stock characteristics influence average EPC ratings.

Booking an EPC

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

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

Conclusion

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

Ensuring that a valid EPC is in place at the right time helps avoid delays, penalties, and unnecessary complications during sales and lettings.