Energy performance certificate (EPC)
A certificate rating a home's energy efficiency from A (best) to G, valid for ten years. Needed before a home is let or sold, and shown in adverts.
In short: An energy performance certificate rates how energy efficient a home is, from A to G, with estimated costs and recommended improvements. It lasts ten years. A landlord in England must give one to a new tenant and, unless exempt, a let home must be rated E or better.
Safety certificates and the homeFinding a tenant
England. Checked against the law on 5 October 2026. Information, not legal advice.
In practice:
- An EPC is produced by an accredited assessor after a visit, and lodged on the government register, where anyone can find it.
- It must be available to prospective tenants or buyers, and the rating shown in adverts.
- It is valid for ten years; a let home needs a valid one at the start of a tenancy.
- Under the minimum energy efficiency standard, a let home must be rated E or better unless an exemption is registered.
The Government plans to raise the standard to C for let homes from 1 October 2030; the regulations have not yet been made.
Read more: The certificates every let needs (gas, electrical, EPC, alarms)
Related: Minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES), Material information
Where this comes from
Guides on this
Guide
First-time landlord checklist for England
From deciding to let to the first rent arriving: the consents, safety checks, licence, right to rent, written statement, deposit, inventory, landlord database and tax, in order, as the law stands after 1 May 2026.
Template
Move-in checklist for landlords: documents, alarms, keys and readings
What a landlord in England gives the tenant before and on move-in day: the written statement, gas safety record, electrical report and EPC, then the deposit paperwork within 30 days. With alarms tested on day one, keys and meter readings, and the date of each.
Guide
The certificates every let needs (gas, electrical, EPC, alarms)
A private let in England needs a gas safety record every year, an electrical report every five years, an EPC rated E or better, and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. What each one is, how often, and what happens if you let without it.
Guide
What is the minimum EPC rating to let a home in England?
A home you let in England needs an EPC rated E or better, unless an exemption is on the PRS Exemptions Register. The planned rise to C from 1 October 2030 is government policy but still needs new law.
Related terms
Glossary
Category 1 hazard
The most serious level of hazard under the HHSRS. When a council finds one in a home, it must take enforcement action.
Glossary
Client money protection (CMP)
Cover that repays landlords and tenants if an agent loses or misuses money it holds for them. Compulsory for agents in England that hold client money.
Glossary
EICR codes: C1, C2, C3 and FI
The codes an electrician uses on an EICR: C1 danger present, C2 potentially dangerous, FI further investigation needed, C3 improvement recommended.
Glossary
Electrical installation condition report (EICR)
A report by a qualified electrician on the safety of a home's fixed wiring. Every private let in England needs one at least every five years.
Glossary
Gas Safe register
The official register of businesses and engineers legally allowed to work on gas appliances and fittings in Great Britain. Only a registered engineer may do a landlord's gas check.
Glossary
Gas safety record (CP12)
The record a Gas Safe registered engineer gives after the yearly safety check of every gas appliance and flue a landlord provides. Required for every let home with gas.