EPC’s – we all know we need one but what exactly is it telling me?
What is an EPC
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) gives detailed information about the energy efficiency of your property and carbon dioxide emissions.
It is issued once an Energy Assessment survey has been carried out on the property by an accredited domestic energy assessor. During the survey, internal and external inspections will be made to determine how efficient the property currently is and what possible level of efficiency could be reached once recommendations have been implemented.
What does an EPC Include?
- Information about a property’s energy use, carbon emissions and typical energy costs
- Recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money
How is it scored?
EPC’s are band scored (A-G) ‘Band A’ being the most efficient and ‘Band G’ being the least efficient, alongside the band rating there is a number rating (max 100) – again the higher the score, the better the energy-efficiency of the property. It’s common for newer properties to have a higher rating due to building materials being designed for better energy efficiency.
Why do I need an EPC?
An EPC is legally required whenever a property is built, sold or rented. You must provide an EPC to potential buyers and tenants before you market the property.
What if my EPC has expired?
EPC certificates are valid for 10 years and you are not automatically required to get a new one unless you intend to let the property to a new tenant or sell the property.
How are EPC Requirements changing?
Currently, under the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) properties need to achieve a level E or above. The property cannot be let with a rating of F or G unless it has been registered on the PRS Exemption Register. The government have advised that from 2025 all rental properties will need to achieve an EPC rating of C or above, these changes will be introduced to new tenancies first but rolled out to all tenancies from 2028.
This regulation has been implemented to make homes more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions as part of the government goal to be net zero by 2050. The penalty for non-compliance will be raised from £5,000 to £30,000 from 2025.
Obviously if your property is currently a band E – getting it to a band C will require investment, and landlords have a legal responsibility to carry out the EPC recommendations. Currently there is a cap at £3,500 spend and if the recommended changes exceed this amount you can apply for a high-cost exemption via the PRS Exemption Register. In line with the other changes for 2025, this cap is being raised to £10,000. The Government estimate average recommended improvements to cost £4,700, and encourage you to apply for the green homes grant which will cover at least two thirds of the improvements of PRS properties up to a contribution of £5000.
What properties are exempt from EPC requirements?
- Listed or protected properties where the recommended improvements would unacceptably alter the character of the property
(If you have one of these it's recommended to get advice from your local authority conservation officer)
- Temporary Buildings that will be used for 2 years or less
- Stand-alone buildings with floor space of less than 50 square meters
- Some buildings that are due to be demolished
EPC Register
You can look for your EPC here:
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