Guidance on EPC Requirements for Short-Term Rentals in the UK
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is legally required for holiday lets, Airbnb-style rentals, and other short-term accommodation. Here we outline the key legal rules, exemptions, and what property owners, landlords, and hosts need to know to stay compliant in the UK.
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EPC Requirements for Holiday Lets and Short-Term Rentals
The requirement for an EPC depends on 3 main criteria:
Duration of Occupation
If the property is rented out for more than four months in any 12-month period, an EPC is generally required. Properties occupied for less than four months per year are usually considered exempt, provided:
- The total usage period is short and intermittent.
- The building is not used continuously by the same guest or tenant.
Heating and Climate Control
If the property is intended to be heated or cooled for human comfort during guest use, it is considered a building under the regulations and therefore subject to EPC rules. Most holiday lets and short-term rentals fall into this category, as they are heated and prepared for guest occupation.
Marketing and Rental Method
If the property is offered through commercial channels (e.g. Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com) and is available to the general public, it is likely to fall within the scope of the EPC requirement. If it is only offered privately or to family and friends, and not actively marketed, it may be exempt.
Additional Legal Considerations
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
If your holiday let or short-term rental is required to have an EPC, it must also comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which require a minimum EPC rating of E. Properties with an EPC rating of F or G cannot be legally let unless a valid exemption has been officially registered.
Note: There are government proposals to raise the minimum EPC rating for privately rented homes to C by 2030, but these proposals are currently under consultation and do not yet apply to holiday lets. Always check for updates as regulations may change in the future.
Planning and Business Rates Implications
If the property is classified for business rates rather than council tax, or is subject to planning restrictions, EPC requirements may still apply under separate enforcement channels. Local authorities may impose additional licensing conditions for short-term rentals, including proof of EPC compliance.
Who Enforces EPC Compliance?
Local authorities and Trading Standards are responsible for enforcing EPC regulations. Non-compliance may result in:
- A penalty of £200 per breach (residential).
- Additional fines or enforcement actions if letting continues without compliance.
- Difficulty in renewing licences or planning permissions, where applicable.
How to Obtain an EPC
If your holiday let or short-term rental requires an EPC, enter your postcode on our EPC Checker and follow the steps provided to obtain it.
Actionable Recommendations
- Calculate your annual rental usage: If your property is let for more than four months per year, an EPC is almost certainly required.
- Check your heating provision: If the building is heated for guest use, EPC rules likely apply, even for seasonal lettings.
- Assess MEES compliance: If an EPC is needed, ensure your property is rated E or above, or register an exemption.
- Retain EPC documentation: Make it available to guests, local authorities, or letting platforms if required.
Failure to comply with EPC obligations can result in enforcement action. Hosts and landlords are advised to take a cautious and documented approach to compliance, particularly where the usage pattern changes seasonally.
Don’t Forget
While most holiday lets and short-term rentals are not eligible for government-backed energy efficiency schemes, such as ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), you may still wish to check your eligibility, particularly if your property is liable for council tax or occasionally used as a primary residence.
- ECO4 Scheme: Designed to improve the energy efficiency of low-income or vulnerable households, funding is available for upgrades like insulation, new boilers, and renewable heating.
- GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme): Offers grants for insulation to help reduce energy bills and improve comfort.
Check your eligibility to see if any support applies to your situation.
People Also Asked
Does Airbnb need EPC?
You will usually need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for an Airbnb in the UK if it is rented out for a total of four months or more within a 12-month period and you cover the energy bills. If the property is let for a shorter time, or if it qualifies for certain exemptions (for example, being a listed building or classed as a holiday let under a “licence to occupy”), an EPC may not be required.
Do new EPC rules apply to holiday lets?
Yes, the UK government intends to extend EPC requirements to holiday lets, bringing them in line with tighter energy efficiency rules. This would mean a minimum EPC rating of ‘E’ by 2026, with the possibility of raising the standard to ‘C’ by 2030. The updated rules are still being developed but are expected to apply to holiday lets that meet specific conditions, such as being rented out for at least four months a year and qualifying as Furnished Holiday Lets (FHLs).
Can a landlord be fined for not having an EPC?
Yes, landlords can be fined if they do not have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when renting or selling a property in the UK. Local authorities can issue penalties of up to £5,000 per property, with the exact amount depending on how long the landlord has been non-compliant or if they fail to provide the EPC to a tenant.
How much does an EPC certificate cost?
An EPC certificate typically costs around £100, depending on factors such as property size, type, location, and the assessor. To get an accurate quote and find a reliable assessor, you can use Consumer Rights to search for an accredited assessor and book an assessment.
What is the new EPC law for landlords?
The government has proposed raising the minimum EPC rating for privately rented homes in England and Wales to band C by 2028 for new tenancies and by 2030 for all rentals. As of October 2025, these rules are not yet in force, but landlords are advised to prepare. The proposed changes will focus more on heat retention and overall home performance rather than just energy costs.
Can you do an EPC yourself?
You can only produce an EPC if you’re an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). Otherwise, the assessment must be carried out by a qualified assessor, who inspects your property’s insulation, heating, construction, and energy use before issuing the certificate.
When did EPCs come into force for rental properties?
EPCs became mandatory for rental properties in the UK on 1 October 2008. In addition, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) introduced in 2018 required a minimum rating of E for new tenancies, which was extended to cover all existing tenancies in 2020.
How can I get a free EPC certificate?
You can download an existing valid EPC for free from the government EPC register using your postcode. If you need a new certificate, you’ll need to pay for a professional assessment. You can use Consumer Rights to find accredited assessors and compare quotes to get the best price.
How long does an EPC take to do?
An EPC assessment typically lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Once complete, the assessor lodges the certificate on the national register, and you’ll usually receive it within a few hours to a couple of days.
Useful Resources:
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
ECO4 Support Available:
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
- UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
- Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Other Support Available:
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