The Property Access Kit – Part 1:6

6. Energy Performance Certificates

All landlords are required to obtain an energy performance certificate for their property.

They are similar to the A-G ratings found on electrical appliances (such as washing machines), and will enable prospective tenants to see at a glance how energy efficient and environmentally friendly rented properties are and how much they cost to heat.

Energy Performance Certificates must be provided by accredited Domestic Energy Assessors – you can locate one in your area via www.gov.uk/find-an-energy-assessor.

The main legal obligation is to have an EPC to hand to prospective tenants and all new tenants must be provided with one before the tenancy agreement is signed.

Strictly speaking, you do not need to provide an EPC when you are renting out an individual room in a shared house.  However, it is recommended that you obtain an EPC for the building as a whole.

Where your tenancy started or was renewed (eg by a new tenancy agreement or renewal form) on or after 1 October 2015 you must have served an EPC on your tenant before they went into occupation as a condition of being able to serve a valid section 21 (although section 21 no fault evictions are due to be abolished under the Renters Rights Bill).

It is believed however, that late service of an EPC will not be fatal to a section 21 notice so long as it is served before your notice (although section 21 is due to be abolished once the Renters Rights Act 2025 comes into force on 1 May 2026).

EPCs last for 10 years.  However, provided you have given a valid EPC to your tenants before they move in, you do not need to serve them an updated EPC once your certificate expires.

Strictly speaking, as far as this kit is concerned, EPCs should not be a problem as if your EPC expires you will be able to obtain a new one after your current tenants have vacated before you re-let the property.

However, you may want to obtain a new EPC while your tenant is in occupation, to check the energy rating of your property and see if you are compliant under The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.

Under these regulations, all existing tenancies must have a minimum energy rating of E.  This is expected to increase to C within the next few years.

Even if you have a current EPC, if it was obtained some time ago, it may be worth getting a new one done, as the basis of calculation has been changed and you may find that your EPC rating is now higher than given in your original certificate.

There is also the question of gaining access to carry out any recommended improvement works, which we will look at later in this Kit.