EPC Hub for Landlords.
What is an EPC?
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) illustrates the energy efficiency of your home and provides a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It gives you a breakdown of the energy performance and the environmental impact, as well as recommendations for efficiency improvements and the potential cash savings. Potential tenants are likely to use EPCs to understand how much they'll be spending on their utility bills, so it's important you do all you can to improve the energy efficiency of your properties.
As a landlord, it's important that EPCs are on your radar. Our EPC Hub for Landlords will ensure you’re kept up to date with the information you need. You'll find frequently asked questions, a list of useful online resources and an overview of the current EPC regulations for those that own a property, or properties, that are being rented out.
EPC regulations
Currently, the EPC rating of a rental property must be E or above, and with a potential fine of up to £5,000 per property, it’s vital you have an EPC readily available for your tenants.
There are various exemptions that'll allow you to rent out a property without the required EPC rating, however all exemptions need to be registered. In our handy online sources section, you’ll find a link to the government website which covers all exemption possibilities and how to register them.
In early 2025, the Government revived the proposed regulations to increase the minimum EPC rating of rental properties to a C for new tenancies from 2028 and all tenancies from 2030. Additionally, they are also planning on a further overhaul of the EPC system in 2026, which will introduce new metrics.
EPCs: The challenges and opportunities
The importance of an EPC
There are several reasons why you should begin considering the steps you may need to take to increase the EPC rating of your properties.
- Complying with the rules and regulations – Currently, a rental property has to have an EPC rating of at least an E or there’s a risk of fine. This requirement looks set to rise to a minimum rating of a C under newly proposed regulations.
- Reducing carbon footprint – You can use your EPCs to make your properties more energy efficient. This will help to reduce your carbon footprint, helping to create a greener and cleaner planet.
- Utility bills – Potential tenants are likely to use EPCs to understand how much they'll be spending on their utility bills, so it's important you’re doing all you can to improve the energy efficiency of your portfolio.
- Lender restrictions - As more and more lenders are moving towards their sustainability targets; more restrictions are likely to be brought in for properties being used as security with lower EPC ratings.
- Tenants’ standard of living - Although cost savings may be a more long-term goal, improving the energy efficiency of your properties will also ensure your tenants have a comfortable place to live, keeping homes warmer in the winter months and cooler on hot summer days.
Improveasy
As well as being experts in green home upgrades, they share our passion to make homes warmer, greener, and more cost-effective. Founded in 2011 by CEO Austin Barcley, driven by a vision to create a company that not only made a positive impact on the environment but also to make energy efficiency accessible to everyone, Improveasy has quickly grown into a trusted name in the industry.
EPC Builder, from Improveasy, brings together their in-house services into a web-based online portal, guiding property owners through their retrofit journey in 5 easy steps:
- Find out your current EPC rating and check if you’re eligible for any grant funding.
- Book an Energy Assessment.
- Receive a detailed Improvement Plan and Thermal Imaging Report.
- Install your chosen green home improvements.
- Enjoy the positive impacts on your property and bills.
EPC Builder
Subject to regional availability. Improveasy predominantly cover the North West, Together's traditional heartland.
Energy Performance Certificate FAQs for Landlords.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An EPC is designed to rate how energy efficient a building is, ranging from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). Your EPC will outline how expensive a property will be to heat and light, and what its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are. If there are improvements to be made, an EPC will also tell you how you could improve your score. For everything you need to know about EPC ratings, read our blog.
What does an EPC check involve and how are they calculated?
An EPC check is carried out by an energy assessor who will visit your property to look at how efficient it is now, and how you could make it more efficient in the future. They’ll look at windows, lighting, heating and insulation to calculate your score. They’ll also look at the age of the property, how it was built, how it’s heated and if hot water tanks are properly insulated. The assessment and report will cost around £60 to £120, and will take around half an hour to complete. You’ll usually have your results back within 72 hours.
Can my EPC save me money?
Making sure your property is properly insulated can save you hundreds of pounds on yours or your tenants’ energy bills. By preventing heat from escaping through walls, roofs and windows, less power will be needed to heat the property, reducing spend on energy bills. Even small changes like replacing traditional lightbulbs with low energy versions can save money over time.
How do I get an EPC?
You’ll need to use an accredited energy assessor to create an EPC for you, or if you’re selling a property, your estate agent should arrange this for you.
While you can book an EPC assessment online it has to be carried out in person, so the assessor will need to visit your property.
What are the current minimum energy performance standards for landlords?
Currently, rental properties have to be rated at least an E for landlords to be able to let them out. The Government had proposed that this will change to a C for new tenancies in 2025, then all rental properties in 2028 – however, it has been recently confirmed these timelines will no longer stand.
How to check an EPC rating?
You can check for a current EPC online in England and Wales, or find your EPC rating in Scotland, using an online search tool. If you’re buying a house, the EPC rating should be on the property listing.
How long is an EPC valid for?
An EPC rating is valid from 10 years from when the assessment is carried out.
Does I need an EPC if they’re buying, selling or renting out a property?
If you’re the buyer or renter, the simple answer is no, you don’t need to provide an EPC. However, you should always ask to see the current EPC for the property as it can help you understand your potential utility costs and issues that you may need to address.
Before a property can be listed for sale or rent, the current owner / landlord is obligated to provide a valid EPC. Once issued by an accredited assessor, an EPC is valid for 10 years.