EPCs for Landlords: Current Rules and 2030 Plans
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) describes a home's energy efficiency on a scale from A to G and provides recommendations for improvement. This guide covers domestic properties in England and Wales, including Birmingham landlords preparing to let a home.
When do landlords need an EPC?
If no valid certificate exists, commission an EPC before marketing a property for sale or rent, unless an exemption applies. Use all reasonable efforts to obtain it within seven days, with a further 21 days allowed where those efforts have not succeeded. Make it available to prospective tenants at the required stage and provide it free to the eventual tenant.
The government guide to EPCs for dwellings explains marketing, provision and exemptions.
Current minimum rating and penalties
Covered private rented homes must currently reach EPC E or have a valid registered MEES exemption. The rules applied to new tenancies from April 2018 and continuing tenancies from April 2020.
Failing to provide or commission a domestic EPC when required can attract a £200 penalty. Breaching domestic MEES is a separate matter, with penalties up to £5,000 per property. Do not confuse these with the government's planned future £30,000 MEES maximum.
See the current domestic MEES guidance. Our 2030 landlord guide explains the announced changes separately.
Exemptions need careful checking
An exemption from needing an EPC is different from a MEES exemption allowing a covered property below E to be let. Listed status is not a blanket EPC exemption. Restrictions on improvements and the specific building circumstances matter.
For MEES, evidence may be needed for high costs, lack of third-party consent or other qualifying circumstances. Follow the official guidance and register an applicable exemption before relying on it. Do not assume that an expensive quote automatically removes the obligation to make improvements.
How long does an EPC last?
An EPC normally lasts ten years, unless replaced by a newer certificate. You do not automatically need another one for each sale or new tenancy while the existing certificate remains valid. An expired certificate needs replacing when an EPC is required. Improvements may make a fresh assessment useful to show the home's current performance.
First check the free EPC register. Read the latest certificate and recommendations before paying for a replacement.
What happens during the assessment?
A typical domestic visit takes around 30 to 60 minutes. The assessor records the building's construction and energy features, including:
- Walls, roofs, floors and insulation.
- Heating, controls and hot water systems.
- Windows, doors and fixed lighting.
- Solar panels and other relevant energy systems.
Arrange safe access to relevant rooms and equipment. Have any available insulation certificates or installation records ready. Evidence can help the assessor record improvements that cannot be seen during the visit.
How to improve your rating
Start with your own EPC recommendations. Suitable insulation, heating controls, efficient lighting and renewable systems may improve performance, but the effect depends on the property and the assessment method. A heat pump or thermostat does not have a guaranteed points uplift.
Check suitability, ventilation needs and required permissions with qualified professionals before installing measures. Use the certificate to plan and compare options, rather than assuming every recommendation must be installed immediately.
Our Birmingham EPC service provides domestic assessments for £60. Read what the EPC price includes or book an assessment.