EPC Landlord Guide 2026 — Energy Performance Certificate Requirements

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates the energy efficiency of a property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). All rental properties in England and Wales must have a valid EPC and the minimum permitted rating is E. Letting a property with an F or G rating is unlawful and carries civil penalties of up to £30,000.

EPC basics for landlords

• An EPC is required before a property is marketed or let
• The certificate is valid for 10 years — a new assessment is required after expiry
• The minimum standard for rental properties in England and Wales is EPC grade E
• An EPC must be commissioned from an accredited domestic energy assessor
• The EPC must be provided to prospective tenants before the tenancy commences
• Check whether your property already has a valid EPC at find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

• It is unlawful to let a property with an EPC below E to a new tenant (since April 2018)
• It is unlawful to continue letting a property with an EPC below E to any tenant (since April 2020)
• Civil penalty: up to £5,000 per property for a breach under 3 months; up to £30,000 for a breach of 3+ months
• Exemptions exist for listed buildings, properties where improvements exceed the cost cap, and where a valid exemption is on the PRS Exemptions Register

EPC C target — policy update

• EPC C target is a policy proposal — not yet law as of May 2026
• When enacted, the threshold will apply to new tenancies first, then existing tenancies
• Properties at D or below should plan: insulation, boiler upgrade, double glazing
• Government funding available in some cases: ECO4 scheme and Boiler Upgrade Scheme

How to get an EPC

• Commission an accredited domestic energy assessor — search at find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk
• The assessor inspects insulation, heating, windows, hot water, and lighting
• Cost: typically £60–£120 for a standard property
• The EPC is lodged on the national register and valid for 10 years
• If you make significant energy improvements (new boiler, insulation), commission a new EPC to reflect the changes

EPC and possession proceedings

All statutory obligations, including the EPC, must be met before serving a Section 8 possession notice under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. A missing EPC at tenancy commencement — or failure to provide it to the tenant — may invalidate a subsequent Section 8 notice. Ensure the EPC is served with the tenancy documents at move-in.