An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that shows a home’s current and potential energy efficiency. It displays a rating on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient and cheapest to heat. It also includes a list of actions that could improve the home’s energy efficiency. 

An EPC is required by law when a home is built, sold or rented in the UK. You must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property to sell or rent. An EPC is valid for 10 years. Depending on the rateable value of the building, you could be fined up to £5,000 if you don’t make an EPC available to a prospective buyer or tenant.

Since April 2018 landlords are required to achieve a minimum rating of ‘E’ on the EPC in order to rent their property. If the property is rated below an ‘E’, the landlord must make the necessary energy-saving improvements and a new EPC is required to prove that the property meets the minimum requirements. 

The information provided on an EPC is also useful for tenants looking for ways to improve their energy efficiency. Since April 2016 tenants can seek permission from their landlord to make energy-saving improvements on their privately rented property.