EPCScore

EPC for Landlords

Legal requirements, minimum ratings and practical guidance for landlords on Energy Performance Certificates.

Legal Requirements

As a landlord in England and Wales, you must:

  • Have a valid EPC before marketing a property for rent
  • Provide the EPC to prospective tenants free of charge
  • Meet minimum standards — your property must be rated E or above (since April 2018)

    • Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

    Since 1 April 2018, landlords cannot grant a new tenancy for a property rated F or G. Since 1 April 2020, this applies to all existing tenancies as well.

    Penalties for non-compliance:

  • Up to **£5,000** per property per breach
  • Publication on a public register of non-compliant landlords

    • Exemptions

    You may be exempt from MEES if:

  • All relevant improvements have been made and the property still rates below E
  • The cost of improvements would exceed £3,500 (inc. VAT)
  • A third party (e.g. a superior landlord or tenant) refuses consent for the works
  • An independent surveyor advises that improvements would devalue the property by 5%+

    • Exemptions last for 5 years and must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.

    Proposed Changes

    The Government has proposed increasing the minimum rating to C by 2030. Although not yet law, landlords should plan ahead:

  • Review your portfolio's EPC ratings
  • Budget for improvement works
  • Take advantage of current grant schemes
  • Consider improvements when properties become vacant

    • Practical Tips

  • Get EPCs early — don't wait until the current one expires
  • Keep records — store copies of all EPCs and improvement receipts
  • Use the recommendations — each EPC lists the most cost-effective improvements
  • Bundle improvements — it's often cheaper to do multiple upgrades at once

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    What happens if my rental property is rated F or G?

    You must either improve the property to at least an E rating or register a valid exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £5,000.

    Do HMOs need an EPC?

    If the HMO is let as a whole, a single EPC is needed. If individual rooms are let on separate tenancies, each self-contained unit may need its own EPC.