Energy performance certificates (EPC) for landlords

An EPC tells tenants how energy efficient a home is. This page summarises what GOV.UK says landlords in England must have and keep.

Checked against official sources on 9 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.

The short version

An EPC is valid for 10 years.
Order one before you market a property to rent, and show it to prospective tenants.
Since 1 April 2020 a property rated F or G generally cannot be let unless a valid exemption is registered.

How long it lasts

GOV.UK says an EPC is valid for 10 years. A valid one can be used for lettings during that period.

When you need one

GOV.UK says to order the EPC before you market your property to sell or rent, and that the landlord or letting agent must show it to people who are renting.

The minimum rating

Since 1 April 2020, landlords cannot let or continue letting a property covered by the rules if it has an EPC rating below E, unless they have a valid exemption in place.

Landlords are not currently required to spend more than £3,500 (including VAT) on improvements. If E cannot be reached within that cap, the guidance says to make the improvements that are affordable and then register an exemption. Most exemptions last 5 years.

Penalties

GOV.UK lists penalties per property and per breach, with a total cap of £5,000 per property. Renting a non-compliant property for less than 3 months can bring up to £2,000, and for 3 months or more up to £4,000, in each case with possible publication of the breach.

What may change

The government’s stated aim is for as many privately rented homes as possible to reach EPC band C or equivalent by 2030. GOV.UK says policy options are still being explored, so this is not yet a rule. Check GOV.UK for the current position.

Check the official pages

Keep track of it

Certlog stores each EPC, shows when it expires, and keeps it with the property’s other certificates. Free for 14 days, then £8.99 a month or £79 a year.

See plans