EPC Certificate FAQs

Whether you’re selling your home, letting a rental property, or managing a commercial building, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) can raise a lot of questions. To make things easier, we’ve answered the most common queries below.

Whether you’re selling your home, letting out a rental property, or managing a commercial building, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are an essential part of the property process. But EPC rules can be confusing, so we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions people ask about EPC certificates.

What is an EPC certificate?

An EPC, short for Energy Performance Certificate, is an official report that shows how energy-efficient a property is. Every certificate places the building on a scale from A to G, where A means excellent efficiency and G indicates poor performance.

Instead of just giving a letter rating, your EPC also tells you:

Estimated running costs for heating, lighting, and hot water.
Carbon emissions data for the property.
Practical suggestions on how to improve efficiency, for example, adding better insulation or upgrading to modern heating systems.

In the UK, you’ll need a valid EPC whenever you sell, rent out, or build a property, as it forms part of the legal paperwork. For homeowners, it’s also a handy way of understanding how much energy your property uses and where you can cut bills.

How to get a copy of my EPC certificate

You can download a copy of your EPC certificate for free online. All you need is your property address:

England, Wales & Northern Ireland – search the official EPC Register using your property address or EPC reference number.
Scotland – use the separate Scottish EPC Register.

The digital version is official and legally valid. You don’t need a paper copy; instead, you can simply email or print the PDF version to share with estate agents, solicitors, or tenants.

How long does an EPC certificate last

An EPC lasts for 10 years from the date it was issued. Once it expires, it is no longer valid for selling or letting the property. Many homeowners choose to renew sooner if they’ve made significant energy improvements (like installing wall insulation, floor insulation, or a new boiler), so their EPC reflects the changes and shows a higher rating.

How much does an EPC certificate cost?

The cost of an EPC varies depending on property type and location, and the experience of the assessor.

Homes (residential) – typically between £35 and £120. Smaller flats tend to be cheaper, while large detached homes cost more.
Commercial properties – start from £150 but can reach several hundred or even thousands of pounds for complex buildings.

Estate agents often add a markup for arranging EPCs on your behalf. Booking directly with a local accredited assessor is usually cheaper.

How long does it take to get an EPC certificate?

For most homes, the physical inspection lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the building’s size. You’ll usually receive your digital EPC report within 2–3 working days. Some assessors even offer a same-day or next-day turnaround for urgent property sales or rental listings.

Commercial buildings take longer because the CEPC assessment is more detailed and involves extra documentation.

Do landlords need an EPC for rental properties?

Yes. It’s a legal requirement for landlords in the UK to provide an EPC when letting out a property. Tenants must be able to view the EPC before signing a tenancy agreement.

In addition, landlords must comply with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which currently require most rental properties in England and Wales to have an EPC rating of E or above. There are fines and restrictions for letting out a property that doesn’t meet this requirement.

What is the minimum EPC rating required to let a property?

At present, UK rental properties must have an E or higher EPC rating. There are limited exemptions (for protected buildings, some listed buildings, or properties where improvements are not cost-effective), but landlords must apply for and register these exemptions officially.

The government has previously proposed raising the minimum standard to a rating of C for new tenancies in the future, so improving your property now could help you stay compliant long term.

Is an EPC required when selling a property?

Yes. If you are selling your home, an EPC is mandatory. Estate agents will usually ask for the certificate before listing your property, and solicitors need it during conveyancing. Without a valid EPC, your sale may be delayed or blocked.

Can I get an EPC online?

You cannot get a brand new EPC online, as it requires an on-site inspection by a trained, accredited assessor. However, you can:

Book an EPC appointment online with a local assessor. You can find local assessors using our search tool.
Access or download existing EPCs online via the UK government’s EPC Register.

So while the process begins offline, certificates are always stored and available digitally.

What happens if I don’t have an EPC?

If you try to rent or sell a property without a valid EPC, you could face:

Fines of up to £200 for residential homes and £500–£5,000 for commercial buildings (depending on rateable value).
Delays in the sales or rental process as agents and solicitors will refuse to proceed without an EPC.

Put simply, EPCs are vital for any legal sale of a property or tenancy agreement.

Can I use an old EPC certificate?

Yes, if it’s still within the 10-year validity period. However, if it has expired or if you’ve made major upgrades, you’ll need a new assessment.

Keeping an EPC up-to-date is beneficial when marketing a property, as buyers are more inclined to choose a home with a strong energy rating.

How do I find an accredited EPC assessor?

We have made it as easy as possible for you to find an accredited EPC assessor. Simply go to Book an EPC, enter your postcode, and you will see a list of trained local assessors in your area.

Booking directly with them is usually cheaper than going through an estate agent.

Can improving my EPC rating increase property value?

While an EPC rating doesn’t directly change the official valuation of your home, it can make your property more appealing to buyers and tenants. Energy-efficient homes are associated with:

Lower energy bills.
Better living comfort (warmer in winter, cooler in summer).
Environmental benefits for eco-conscious buyers.

According to Rightmove data, almost 1 in 6 home movers consider EPC ratings a major decision factor when choosing where to live. So, improving your EPC rating can give you a competitive edge in the housing market.

How can I improve my EPC rating?

There are many cost-effective ways to boost your EPC score, including:

Adding loft or cavity wall insulation.
Upgrading glazing from single to double or triple.
Replacing an old boiler with a modern condensing model or installing a heat pump.
Switching to LED lighting throughout the property.
Adding renewable energy technology, such as solar PV panels.

Even small improvements can have a surprisingly big impact on your EPC rating.

Do new-build properties need an EPC?

Under UK law, every new-build home must have an EPC before it can be sold or occupied. Developers usually arrange the EPC as part of the handover process. New homes are assessed using a SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rather than the traditional EPC survey.

Do public buildings need an EPC?

Public buildings such as schools, hospitals, universities, and council offices generally require EPCs. Many also need a Display Energy Certificate (DEC), which must be visible to visitors and staff. This ensures transparency about a building’s energy use and encourages improvements across the public estate.

Can tenants or buyers check a property’s EPC?

EPCs are publicly available to tenants or buyers. Anyone can search the EPC Register in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland or the Scottish EPC database. Buyers and tenants often use them to compare estimated running costs before committing to a property.

Are EPCs required for commercial buildings?

Yes, almost all commercial buildings being sold, rented, or built require an EPC (called a Commercial EPC or CEPC). Costs start at around £150 but increase for larger or more complex sites such as warehouses, industrial units, and multi-storey offices.

Are there fines for not having an EPC?

In the UK, the typical fine for failing to provide an EPC for a residential property is £200. For commercial properties, the fines can be higher, ranging from £500 to £5,000, depending on the property’s rateable value.

Final thoughts

EPC certificates are more than just red tape; they’re a vital part of selling, renting, or improving a property. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, commercial property manager, or first-time buyer, understanding EPC requirements ensures you stay legally compliant, avoid fines, and even improve your property’s attractiveness to the market.

If your EPC is expiring, or if your rating feels out of date after energy improvements, the best step is to book with an accredited local assessor. That way, you’ll have peace of mind that your property is compliant and performing at its best.

You can book an EPC assessment with an accredited assessor here. Find out if you qualify for an EPC exemption.