EPCs, explained
鈥nd local accredited domestic energy assessors to do yours.
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馃尡 So what actually is an EPC?
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rates your home's energy efficiency from A (great) to G (draughty). A trained assessor visits, takes notes and photos, and the certificate goes on the national register.
Needed before you let a home, and it usually has to meet a minimum rating.
Check the rating before you sign: it's a clue to your heating bills.
It comes with handy suggestions for cutting energy bills.
You need one to market a home for sale.
What to expect on the day
- The assessor looks at insulation, windows, heating, hot water and lighting.
- They measure up and take photos. Nothing is opened up or damaged.
- It doesn't usually take long, but ask when you book.
- Your certificate is lodged on the official register.
How to get ready
- Find any paperwork for insulation, new windows or a boiler upgrade.
- Make the loft hatch and boiler easy to get to.
- Know roughly when the house was built or extended.
- Clear access to every room.
馃挿 What it usually costs
Honest answer: prices vary with the size of your home, what needs checking and how soon you need it. We don't make up "average prices". Get two or three quotes and compare like for like. Check what's included: is a certificate copy extra, and what about re-visits?
Eastern (England)
North West (England)
South West (England)
Bristol 路 Exeter 路 Plymouth 路 Truro
West Midlands (England)
Yorkshire and the Humber (England)
Scotland
Edinburgh 路 Glasgow
Wales
Rules differ by nation
England
- An EPC is needed when a home is built, sold or rented, and is generally valid for 10 years.
- Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) generally require privately rented homes in England and Wales to have a rating of at least E unless a valid exemption is registered.
Wales
- Since 1 December 2022 most private tenancies in Wales are 'occupation contracts' under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
- Private landlords and agents in Wales must register (and, if managing, be licensed) with Rent Smart Wales.
- An EPC must be provided to contract-holders, and the England & Wales MEES minimum rating of E generally applies to private lets.
Scotland
- Private landlords in Scotland must register with the local council (Scottish Landlord Register) before letting.
- Rented homes must meet the Repairing Standard (Housing (Scotland) Act 2006).
- An EPC must be made available when a property is let; Scottish minimum energy standards for private rented homes have been proposed but check current status.
Northern Ireland
- Private landlords in Northern Ireland must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme.
- An EPC is required when a property is let.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an EPC cost?
Prices vary with property size, what needs checking and how soon you need it. We don't publish price estimates without a citable source - compare two or three quotes.
How do I check an EPC provider is genuine?
Check the assessor's accreditation on the EPC register.
Do tenants or homeowners need one too?
Tenants: Check the rating before you sign: it's a clue to your heating bills. Homeowners: It comes with handy suggestions for cutting energy bills.