Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives tenants or potential buyers information on the energy efficiency of a home.

It is a compulsory document if you are selling or letting a property, and must be commissioned, but not necessarily received, before marketing can start. It must be made available at the earliest opportunity, ideally within 28 days of the property going on the market and no later than exchange of contracts. There is a penalty of £200 for not providing an EPC.

The duty to provide an EPC falls on either the seller, in the case of a building being sold, or the landlord, in the case of a building being rented. In the case of new buildings, the duty to provide an EPC falls on the builder.

What does an EPC provide?

An EPC has:

  • A standardised ‘A to G' rating scale for the energy performance of a home. ‘A' is very efficient and ‘G' is very inefficient. The rating is based on age, property layout, construction, heating, lighting, and insulation. Typical ratings are usually ‘D' or ‘E'.
  • A home's environmental impact rating (based on how much carbon dioxide the home releases into the environment).
  • Likely costs on how much it will cost to run the home. This is based on how long it is heated a day, average fuel prices at the time the EPC was produced and more. (But do remember, the actual running costs will vary depending on current fuel costs and the lifestyle of the people who live there.)
  • A recommendation report suggesting measures which could improve the energy performance of the home.

View a sample EPC

How long are EPCs valid?

EPCs are valid for 10 years and can be reused as many times as required within that time.

EPCs for commercial property

Owners of all commercial buildings have to provide an EPC when they sell or let commercial premises. Business Link has advice for builders and developers, owners and those wanting to become accredited as energy assessors or home inspectors:

Landlords

From 1 October 2008 it has been law for landlords to provide an EPC when they rent out a home to a new tenant.

But if a property has been occupied by the same tenants since before 1 October 2008, an EPC is only required when tenants change.

Landlords must make the EPC available free of charge to prospective tenants at the earliest opportunity. This should be when they are first given written information about the property, or when they view it, and before any rental contract is entered into.

It is not necessary for landlords to arrange a new EPC each time there is a change of tenant during a 10 year period. So tenants may find that an EPC a landlord gives them is anything up to 10 years old.

However, if a newer EPC has been produced for a home within the 10 year period, only the most recent one is valid.

If you have recently bought a property and are considering letting it, you should have received an EPC which can be given to prospective tenants.

Landlords can seek accreditation to certify their own properties.

Arranging an EPC – the Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA)

EPCs must be produced by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).

If you use an independent DEA check that they are a current member of an accreditation scheme, as this makes sure they are operating to professional standards.

The EPC Register lists details of accredited DEAs:

Once instructed, a DEA will arrange a convenient time to visit your property. They will need to:

  • inspect your property's external or internal measurements, construction details, heating and hot water
  • access all the rooms, the boiler and the loft, and may need to take photographs of items such as heaters and meters.

Download an EPC using the 24-digit reference number

Every new EPC is given a unique number which a DEA enters on to a national register. Once your EPC has been created, you can download further copies in the future from the EPC Register by using the 24 digit report reference number on the top right hand side of the EPC.

Problems getting an EPC – enforcement

The Council's Trading Standards department enforces EPC law. If Trading Standards receive a complaint that an EPC has not been provided, they can impose a penalty charge of £200 for each breach.

Help for tenants

If you are a tenant and have viewed a property to rent, or are starting a tenancy, and the landlord (or their agent) hasn't given you an EPC, you can contact the following for advice:

Enquiries

If you have any issues or problems with gaining access to a seller's EPC, or with a company that compiles EPCs, you can get advice from Trading Standards.