Check Your EPC Before You Rent or Sell

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. This applies across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. In Scotland, the same 10-year validity period applies, but certain public and commercial buildings may also have display requirements.

Once an EPC has expired, it is no longer legally valid for most property transactions. This means you cannot market, rent, or sell a property without a current EPC in place.

Why You Need to Check Your EPC Before Renting or Selling

If you’re a property owner, landlord, or letting agent, ensuring your EPC is valid is a legal requirement before marketing a property. Failing to do so may result in:

  • Financial penalties of up to £5,000.
  • Suspension of property listings.
  • Delays in conveyancing or mortgage approvals.
  • Breaches of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which require most rental properties to have an EPC rating of at least E.

Even if no major changes have been made to your property in the last ten years, an old or expired EPC is not acceptable.

How to Check if Your EPC Is Still Valid

To confirm your EPC status:

  1. Navigate to the EPC Checker page on Consumer Rights.
  2. Enter your property’s postcode or EPC reference number.
  3. Check the date of issue and ensure it falls within the 10-year period.
  4. Confirm the EPC covers the correct property type (domestic or non-domestic).
  5. Consider whether upgrades (insulation, new boiler, double glazing) mean you should obtain a more up-to-date certificate.

What to Do If Your EPC Is Expired or Missing

If your EPC is no longer valid or cannot be found:

  • Commission a new EPC by contacting a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) or Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA). Only accredited assessors under a government-approved scheme can issue valid certificates.
  • Do not market or let the property until the updated EPC is available on the official register.
  • Provide the EPC to letting agents, estate agents, and prospective buyers or tenants free of charge.
  • Raise concerns if needed: If your EPC appears incorrect, contact the assessor or their accreditation body. You can also report issues to Trading Standards or your local authority.

Why an EPC Matters

An EPC does more than tick a legal box. It provides:

  • An energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
  • An estimate of energy costs for heating, lighting, and hot water.
  • Recommendations for improvements that could save money and boost property value.

In today’s market, where buyers and tenants are more conscious of energy bills, a higher EPC rating can make your property more attractive and competitive.

One Last Thing

Whether you’re selling, renting, or simply planning ahead, keeping your EPC valid ensures compliance, avoids penalties, and supports energy savings.

If your EPC is approaching the 10 year expiry mark, or if you’ve made recent energy efficiency upgrades, commission a new assessment and update your record on the official register.

Check your EPC today using our EPC Checker – It only takes a few minutes.