Getting an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

When you sell or rent a property, it’s important to have an EPC. Find out how to get yours.

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An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate and it’s a legal requirement to have one before you sell or rent or your property.

Why you need an EPC

An EPC provides an overview of your home’s energy efficiency. It will rate your property from A-G, with A being the most energy efficient and G the least. The certificate also highlights areas for improvement and gives you and others an overall picture of the energy usage for the whole property, taking into account things like roof insulation, window glazing and heating systems.

Find out if you already have a valid EPC

When you bought your home or started renting, you should have been given a copy of your EPC. But if you’re unsure, you can search for it for free via the EPC Register. You can also use the register to check your EPC rating and find out when it expires.

Find an EPC in England, Wales or Northern Ireland

Find an EPC in Scotland

When you need to get an EPC

You’ll need an EPC before you can list your property.

If your home does not have a valid EPC, you can organise for an accredited energy assessor to visit and give you an up to date certificate.  

Find a local accredited energy assessor via the EPC Register.

If you’re putting your house on the market using an estate agent, they will usually offer this service for you.

What happens during an EPC assessment?

Your energy assessor will look at all areas of your home, so you can expect them to take photos and measurements during their visit. They’ll need access to the loft spaces and all rooms as well as heating controls. The length of time they’ll take in the property will depend on its size. Check before they arrive to find out how long their assessment will take.

EPCs in Scotland

England, Wales and Northern Ireland have the same database, but Scotland have separate systems.

Renting a room in your home

If you’re a live-in landlord then you don’t need to update your EPC rating to let out a room in your home.

Selling within 10 years

An EPC is valid for 10 years. So if you only bought your home a few years ago, you may not need a new EPC before you sell.

If you can’t find your EPC or are unsure if you have one, you can search for it for free via the EPC Register:

Cost of an EPC rating

Should you need a new EPC, an assessment usually costs around £35. Cost depends on the size of your property, so if you have a large property it could be more expensive.

When you’re buying or renting

As a buyer or renter, you should not have to pay for an EPC. It is the responsibility of the seller or landlord to make sure you have access to an up-to-date certificate. 

Ratings for letting

As of 1 April 2018 any private rented properties in the UK must meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES). This was introduced to raise the standards of rental properties and inspire landlords to make them more energy efficient.

You can rent your property if it meets an E or above rating on your EPC. In most cases, it’s now illegal to rent a property if your rating falls under F or G. You can, however, make improvements to raise the rating and you’ll never be expected to spend more than £3,500 (including VAT) to do so.

If it’s not possible to improve it to at least an E rating, then it’s advisable to make all the improvements possible up to the value of £3,500 and then register for an ‘all improvements made’ exemption. 

There’s more information about exemptions on the government guidance website.

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