What are EPCs?

Much like the multi-coloured sticker on new appliances, EPCs tell you how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). EPCs let the person who will use the building know how costly it will be to heat and light, and what its carbon dioxide emissions are likely to be.

The EPC will also state what the energy-efficiency rating could be if improvements are made, and highlights cost-effective ways to achieve a better rating. Even if you rent your home, some improvements noted on the EPC may be worth implementing, such as switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs.

EPCs are valid for 10 years from when issued.

Why get an EPC?

Your property's EPC needs to be available to potential buyers as soon as you start to market your property for sale or rent. You must get an approved Domestic Energy Assessor to produce the EPC.

If you implement any of the energy efficiency recommendations outlined in your EPC, you may wish to get a fresh EPC done to include these improvements.

EPCs and Landlords

In an attempt to ensure that all tenants enjoy a right to live in an energy efficient home, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards will be phased in over the next five years. 

Phase one - their EPC. 

The regulations will initially only apply upon the granting of a new tenancy to:

 • A new tenant 

• An existing tenant 

Phase two - from 1st April 2020, the regulations will apply to ALL privately rented properties which are required to have an EPC. What does this mean for Landlords? From April 2018 changes to legislation will make it unlawful to let a residential property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below an ‘E’. from 1st April 2018, private rented properties must achieve an energy efficiency rating of at least an E.  An EPC is already required to let or market a property legally, but the new laws surrounding MEES means that an EPC with a rating of F or G is not sufficient for compliance. If your property does not meet the minimum standard, then unfortunately you cannot let or market that property within the law. Rent reviews could also be affected as a result of this. Financial penalties for non-compliance can also be as much as £5000 in the domestic sector. 

Some properties do not require an EPC and are therefore not subject to MEES regulations. These include:

• Temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years.

• Stand-alone buildings with total useful floor space of less than 50 square metres.

• Some buildings that are due to be demolished.

• Holiday accommodation rented out for less than 4 months a year, or let under a licence to occupy.

• Properties with tenancies over 10 years old that haven't been sold or had any works requiring an EPC in the past 10 years.

• Residential buildings intended to be used less than 4 months a year.

• Some listed buildings, landlords should seek advice from their local authority conservation officer about appropriate energy efficiency measures for the property. 

• Most Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) where rooms are let on individual tenancies*

• A room in a hall of residence or hostel. 

*However, where there is an EPC for the building as a whole where it has been let, sold or modified as a single unit in the last 10 years, the building itself will need to comply with MEES.

Who produces energy reports and EPCs?

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, only accredited Domestic Energy Assessors can produce valid EPCs

EPCs conducted from £75

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