Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) for UK landlords

Why it matters

Letting a sub-standard property is a civil offence enforced by the local authority, with penalties of up to £5,000 per property per breach. A missing or expired EPC also blocks you from serving certain notices and undermines any possession claim that relies on having met your prescribed-information duties.

Legal requirements

• Provide a valid EPC to prospective tenants free of charge at the earliest opportunity, and include the rating in all marketing.
• Do not let or continue to let a property rated F or G unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
• Renew the EPC every 10 years, or sooner if you make significant improvements you want reflected.
• Scotland requires an EPC plus, for private residential tenancies, display of the certificate in the property.

Common mistakes

• Assuming an EPC only matters when a new tenant moves in — MEES applies throughout the tenancy.
• Letting an exemption lapse; most exemptions last five years and must be re-registered.
• Relying on an EPC produced for a sale that has since expired.
• Not keeping evidence of the EPC being served on the tenant, which weakens later possession claims.

Practical guidance

• Store the PDF and the certificate reference number against the property so it is served automatically with the tenancy pack.
• Diarise renewal 12 months before expiry so improvement work can be scheduled around a void.
• Where the rating is E or borderline, get a recommendation report and cost the cheapest wins first — loft insulation, LED lighting, hot water controls.
• Expect the minimum standard to tighten later this decade; treat band C as the planning target for any property you intend to hold long term.