EPC requirements for rented property
An Energy Performance Certificate rates a property from A to G and is required whenever a property is let or marketed for letting. For landlords the EPC is both a document duty and a minimum standard.
The current rules
- A valid EPC (they last ten years) must exist before marketing, and a copy must be given to the tenant.
- Minimum standard E: under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, a property rated F or G cannot lawfully be let unless a valid exemption is registered.
- Exemptions include the cost cap where all improvements up to the spending limit have been made, and consent or devaluation cases, each registered on the national PRS Exemptions Register.
The direction of travel
Government has consulted on raising the minimum to EPC C for rented homes over the coming years. Nothing to panic about today, but if you are renovating anyway, insulating and upgrading heating now is cheaper than doing it under deadline later. Check current proposals before committing to major works.
Penalties and the bigger picture
Letting a sub-standard property or failing to provide the certificate attracts civil penalties that scale with the breach. The EPC belongs to the pre-tenancy document set alongside the How to Rent guide: see the full 2026 compliance checklist.
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Start my agreement →Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum EPC rating to rent a property?
E. Properties rated F or G cannot be let unless a valid exemption is registered, and government has consulted on raising the minimum to C in future.
How long does an EPC last?
Ten years, unless you make changes that would alter the rating and choose to reassess.