What Is an EPC?
A friendly explainer on Energy Performance Certificates: how the ratings work, what they cost, when you need one, and how to improve a poor rating before you let.
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An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). For landlords it's not just paperwork — your rating dictates whether you can legally let the property at all.
When do you need one?
- Before marketing a property for rent
- At the start of every new tenancy (if the old certificate has expired)
- They're valid for 10 years
You don't need a new EPC for every new tenant — only when the current one expires or significant work changes the rating.
The minimum rating
Currently the minimum rating to let is E. The government has signalled a move to a C minimum for new tenancies from 2028 and all tenancies from 2030 — exact dates depend on final legislation.
If your property scores F or G and no exemption applies, letting it is a criminal offence.
Exemptions
Limited exemptions exist — for example where:
- All "cost-effective" improvements have been made (capped at £3,500)
- Consent for works has been formally refused
- The improvements would devalue the property by 5%+
Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register and renewed every 5 years.
Quick wins to improve a rating
You don't always need expensive work to nudge up the score:
- LED lighting throughout
- Loft insulation to at least 270mm
- Hot water cylinder jacket if applicable
- TRVs on radiators
- Draught-proofing around doors and windows
A property sitting at high E often jumps to C with these simple upgrades alone.
What it costs
Expect £60–£120 depending on the property size and location. Norwich-based assessors are plentiful and quotes are competitive.
Common landlord mistakes
- Letting an EPC expire mid-tenancy and forgetting to renew before the next move-in
- Assuming a conservatory or extension doesn't change the rating (it usually does)
- Not giving the tenant a copy at move-in — legally required
Bottom line: treat the EPC like an MOT — book it well before the old one runs out, and act early on the C-grade horizon.
Frequently asked questions
What is an EPC and how long does it last?+
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least). It is valid for 10 years and must be commissioned before marketing the property for sale or let.
What is the minimum EPC rating to let a property in England?+
Properties currently need an EPC rating of E or above to be legally let in England and Wales under the MEES regulations. Proposed reforms would raise the minimum to a C rating for new tenancies later this decade — check the latest government position.
How much does an EPC cost?+
An EPC for a typical UK home costs £60–£120, depending on property size, location, and turnaround. It must be carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor.
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