Licence Checker England

Landlord guide

EPC requirements for landlords

An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, rates a property from A to G for energy efficiency and sits behind the minimum energy efficiency rules for rented homes in England.

EPCs are not just marketing documents. They affect whether a property can legally be let and whether an exemption needs to be registered.

At a glance

  • A valid EPC is usually needed before marketing or letting a property.
  • The current minimum standard for most private rentals in England is Band E.
  • Properties below Band E need improvements or a registered exemption before they can be lawfully let.
  • Future proposals around Band C should be checked on GOV.UK rather than assumed.

When do I need an EPC?

You need a valid EPC:

  • Before you market a property for rent
  • When you grant a new tenancy
  • When a tenancy is renewed, if the existing EPC has expired

An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue, but you should still check it meets the minimum standard before relying on an older certificate.

What is the minimum EPC rating?

Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards regulations, the minimum EPC rating for most rented properties in England is Band E.

You cannot legally let a property with an EPC rating of F or G unless you have registered a valid exemption.

Proposed changes

The government has at various points proposed raising the minimum to Band C. Timelines have been delayed and details remain uncertain, so check the latest position on GOV.UK before making major investment decisions based on future requirements.

Penalties for non-compliance

Letting a property below the minimum EPC rating can result in:

  • A fine of up to £5,000 per property in many residential cases
  • Publication of the penalty on the PRS Exemptions Register
  • The need to stop letting until the property is improved or a valid exemption is registered

Exemptions

If you cannot reasonably improve the property to Band E, you may be able to register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register.

  • All improvements made - relevant works have been completed and the property still falls below Band E
  • High cost - the cost of improvements would exceed the spending cap, currently around £3,500 including VAT
  • Wall insulation - where installation would negatively affect the property
  • Consent - a third party whose consent is needed has refused
  • Devaluation - an independent surveyor confirms the works would reduce property value materially

Exemptions last 5 years and need to be re-registered if the property is still below Band E at that point.

How to improve your EPC rating

The EPC report itself includes recommendations that could improve the score. Common upgrades include:

  • Loft insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Upgrading the boiler or heating controls
  • Double glazing
  • Draught-proofing
  • LED lighting throughout

Where to find your EPC

All EPCs are recorded on the public EPC Register. You can look up your property at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. If your property does not have a valid EPC, you will need to commission one from an accredited domestic energy assessor.

Related next reads

Use these guides to move from the current topic into the next licensing or due diligence question.

EICR requirements for landlords

Electrical Installation Condition Reports - when you need one, how often, what happens if it fails, and the regulations behind it.

Landlord compliance checklist

A plain-English checklist of the main legal requirements for private landlords in England, from safety certificates to deposit protection.

Next steps

Use the tools and supporting pages below to move from general guidance to a council-specific or property-specific starting point.

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Gas safety guide→

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Full compliance checklist→

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This tool provides general information about landlord licensing schemes in England. Results are based on publicly available data and may not reflect recent changes. This is not legal advice. Always verify licensing requirements directly with your local council before making decisions.

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