Guide · Energy performance
EPCs for rental properties
An energy performance certificate rates a home’s energy efficiency from A to G. To let a property in England you need a valid one, and it has to meet a minimum rating.
Updated 21 September 2026
How long it lasts
An EPC is valid for ten years. It must be available to prospective tenants when the property is marketed and given to the tenant at the start of the tenancy.
The minimum rating
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard, a domestic private rented property must have a rating of at least E before you can let it, unless a valid exemption is registered. This applies to new lets and to existing tenancies.
Exemptions
If a property rated F or G cannot reasonably be brought up to E — for example because the cost of improvements would exceed the spending cap, or the works need consent that has been refused — you may be able to register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register. Exemptions are specific and time-limited, so check the conditions before relying on one.
Penalties
Councils can impose penalties of up to £5,000 per property for letting a property that does not meet the standard without a valid exemption.
Improving the rating
The report that comes with the certificate lists recommended improvements and their likely effect. Loft and cavity wall insulation, heating controls and a more efficient boiler are often the most cost-effective places to start.
Where this applies
This guide covers England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules, so check the requirements for where your property is.
Common questions
- Do I need a new EPC for every tenancy?
- No. One certificate lasts ten years and covers every tenancy that starts in that time.
- What is the minimum EPC rating to rent a property?
- E, unless you have registered a valid exemption.