EPC for Landlords
Under Article 7 of the European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, any building that is sold, rented out or constructed must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
An EPC ranks the energy efficiency of a property from A (very efficient) to G (not very efficient) and is accompanied by recommendations on how to improve energy efficiency.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about EPC for landlords, including:
- The minimum EPC requirements for renting
- How to obtain an EPC
- How to improve your property’s EPC rating
- EPC exemptions
- EPC checklist for landlords
Need help managing your landlord obligations? Join the NRLA for access to unlimited expert support and advice, as well as exclusive discounts for landlords.
What is the minimum EPC for renting?
Since the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were introduced in 2018, properties must have at least an E rating. If your property has an F or G rating, you will need to carry out the requirements to bring it up to an E rating, or spend £3500 on suitable improvements to qualify for an exemption (see the section on EPC exemptions for more info).
The Labour government has confirmed that all rental properties must have a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030.
How do I obtain an Energy Performance Certificate?
You will need an energy assessor to perform the assessment and issue you with the certificate.
You can use Safe2 to organise the assessment and arrange the date with either the tenant or letting agent, making complying with your EPC landlord obligations easy and stress-free.
The energy assessor will need access to all parts of the property to carry out their assessment. This will include:
- Inspecting heating systems and controls
- Taking measurements and photographs of all key data contained in the survey
If there are tenants currently living in the property, you or the letting agent must give them at least 24 hours written notice before the EPC assessment takes place.
NRLA members get 5% off any compliance certificates obtained through Safe2 - become a member today and reap the benefits.
How often do I need to renew my EPC?
Once issued, the EPC is valid for 10 years. You should send a copy of the EPC to new tenants at the start of every new tenancy. If the EPC expires during a tenancy, you do not need to get a new EPC until the tenancy ends.
You do not have to get a new EPC for your rental property during the 10-year period even if you have work carried out, although you can obtain a new one if you wish to show that the energy efficiency of the property has been improved. This might make the property more appealing to potential tenants.
If you want to obtain a new EPC while the property is being lived in by a tenant, you should arrange the assessment for a time that is convenient for the tenant and issue them with a copy of the new EPC once the assessment is completed.
If the dwelling is converted so it contains more or fewer separate dwellings, new EPCs will be required when each is rented out. Similarly, if you have made adjustments to the property because of Green Deal Funding then you are required to get a new EPC and use that one from now on.
How can I improve my EPC rating?
There are a number of improvements you can make to your property to improve its EPC rating. The EPC will list potential improvements for your property on the document itself. Some changes that might make your property more energy efficient include:
- Switching to LED lights
- Insulating your hot water cylinder
- Installing heating controls
- Replacing your boiler
- Adding double glazing to windows
- Insulating walls and floors
Making energy efficient improvements to your property can be costly, but it’s often a worthwhile investment. A higher EPC rating can help to increase your property’s value and make it more attractive to potential tenants.
How do I qualify for an EPC exemption?
If you make improvements that cost up to £3,500 and still can’t improve your EPC rating to a minimum of an E, you can register for an ‘all relevant improvements made’ exemption.
You can find further details and how to apply for an EPC exemption on the government website.
What happens if I don’t have a valid EPC?
Your local authority has the power to issue fines for several offences between £1000 - £4000, with the maximum total being a fine of up to £5000 if you do not have an EPC of the minimum rating for your rental property.
Additionally, failure to make a copy of the EPC available to your tenants could result in the local authority issuing a minimum fine of £500.
EPC checklist for landlords
Keeping on top of your EPC landlord obligations can be daunting. Use this EPC checklist before each new tenancy begins to make sure you’re being compliant.
- Commission and obtain an EPC from a registered assessor, unless one is already available
- Ensure that any advertisements for the property contain the energy rating of the property
- Make a copy of the EPC available to any prospective tenant free of charge
- Give the tenant a free copy of the EPC before they sign the tenancy agreement, including the recommendation report. This applies even if they have already seen it
- Ensure you are complying with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
Can I email an EPC to my tenants?
Yes. You can email a copy of the EPC to your tenants provided you have the necessary consent from them to send documents via email. The NRLA Tenancy Application Form contains a section requesting this consent that you can use, as does our template for assured shorthold tenancy agreements.
Save on your next EPC assessment as a member of the NRLA
NRLA members save 5% on all EPC assessments that are booked via Safe2.
- You’ll also save 5% on a wide range of other safety certificates that landlords need, including:
- Gas Safety Certificate
- Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
- Portable Appliance Test (PAT)
- Fire Risk Assessment
And the discounts don’t stop there for NRLA members - when you join us, you’ll also gain access to a huge variety of exclusive landlord discounts on everything from insurance to furnishings.