When Does an EPC Expire? How Long EPCs Last and When You Need a New One

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for most property sales and lettings in the UK. However, one of the most common questions property owners ask is how long an EPC remains valid — and what happens when it expires.

How Long Does an EPC Last?

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

For example, if an EPC was issued in 2016, it will expire at some point in 2026. Once expired, it can no longer be used for marketing, selling or letting the property.

How to Check When Your EPC Expires

You can check the expiry date of an EPC by looking at the certificate itself or searching the national EPC register using the property address.

The expiry date is fixed and does not extend automatically, even if the property has not changed ownership.

When Do You Need a New EPC?

A new EPC is legally required if you are:

• Selling a property
• Letting a property to a new tenant
• Marketing a property for sale or rent

If the existing EPC has expired, a new assessment must be carried out before marketing can legally begin.

Can You Reuse an Old EPC?

An EPC can only be reused if it is still within its 10-year validity period. Once expired, it cannot be updated or extended — a completely new assessment is required.

This often catches sellers and landlords off guard, particularly where properties have been owned for long periods.

Should You Get a New EPC Even If Yours Hasn’t Expired?

In some cases, property owners choose to obtain a new EPC before expiry. This may be beneficial if you have:

• Installed a new boiler or heating system
• Added loft or wall insulation
• Replaced windows or doors
• Extended or altered the property

An updated EPC can reflect improvements and may help improve how the property is viewed by buyers, tenants and lenders.

How EPC Expiry Can Affect Selling or Letting

An expired EPC can delay a property transaction. Estate agents are legally required to have a valid EPC available at the point of marketing, and lenders may also request it during the process.

Delays are more common in active markets such as Leicester or Bristol, where properties are often listed quickly and compliance issues can slow progress.

EPC Expiry and Landlords

For landlords, EPC expiry can also affect legal compliance. Most privately rented properties must meet a minimum EPC rating of E, and the certificate must be valid.

Allowing an EPC to expire while a property is let or re-let can result in enforcement action.

Related EPC Guidance

For further reading on how EPC ratings influence pricing and demand, see our guide on how EPC ratings affect house prices, rentals and buyer demand in the UK.

If you are unsure about EPC pricing, our article on how much an EPC costs in the UK explains typical fees and what affects them.

Arranging a New EPC

If your EPC has expired or is due to expire, arranging a new assessment in advance can help avoid delays.

EPC assessments can be booked online via the booking page.

Conclusion

EPC expiry is a simple issue that often causes unnecessary delays when overlooked. Understanding when an EPC expires — and when a new one is required — helps property owners stay compliant and keep transactions moving smoothly.