Landlord’s Legal EPC Responsibilities in 2025

Under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) Regulations 2015, which apply in England and Wales, all privately rented homes must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or higher. This requirement has been in effect for new lettings and renewals since April 2018, and for all existing tenancies since April 2020.

Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let unless a valid exemption is registered. Landlords must ensure an EPC is provided to new and renewing tenants. EPCs are valid for 10 years and must be renewed once they expire to maintain continuous compliance.

In Scotland:

• All rental properties must have a valid EPC whenever a property is marketed for let.
• EPCs are required before advertising and must be made available to prospective tenants.
• The EPC must be included in property advertisements and displayed in the property where practical.
• Current minimum energy efficiency standards are under review, with proposed tightening of rules in line with Scotland’s net zero targets.

EPC regulations apply to most domestic rental properties, including:

• Assured shorthold tenancies.
• Regulated tenancies (with limited exceptions).
• Assured tenancies.
• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), where individual agreements apply.
• Flats and bedsits let individually, where heating or access is separate.

Exclusions may apply to:

• Holiday lets that are rented out for fewer than four months in a year.
• Some listed buildings, where improvements would unacceptably alter character.
• Temporary buildings used for less than two years.
• Buildings intended for demolition (with supporting evidence).

Scotland applies similar rules, though EPC display requirements are stricter when marketing properties.

Landlords, it is crucial to understand that even if your property is exempt from EPC requirements, you must register it via the official PRS Exemptions Register in England and Wales. In Scotland, exemptions are also permitted but must be supported with the appropriate evidence to avoid enforcement action.

Landlords can check EPC compliance by using our EPC Checker:

• Check the property’s current EPC rating, the certificate’s expiry date, and whether it meets at least the minimum band E requirement.
• Commission a new EPC if your current certificate is over nine years old or no longer reflects the building’s current efficiency.
• Review the Recommendations Report included in the EPC to identify energy-saving upgrades.

Prioritise upgrades such as:

• Loft, cavity wall or solid wall insulation.
• Double or triple glazing.
• Installation of modern boilers or low-carbon heating.
• Smart heating controls.

Check if you are eligible for free government funded home upgrades in order to improve your EPC through Consumer Rights. Landlords and rental properties are eligible if they meet qualifying criteria.

Failure to comply with EPC regulations can result in civil penalties issued by local authorities. These include:

• Up to £5,000 per breach under current MEES rules in England and Wales.
• Higher penalties likely under the 2025 regime (exact figures pending legislation).
• In Scotland, fines can reach £1,000 for failing to provide a valid EPC, with additional penalties possible for repeated breaches.

Landlords may register a valid exemption if one or more of the following apply:

• The cost of improvements exceeds the set cap.
• Third-party consent (e.g. tenant or planning authority) is denied.
• Improvement measures would negatively impact the structure or value.
• All reasonable improvements have been made, yet the rating remains below E.

All exemptions must be submitted through the PRS Exemptions Register and must include supporting documentation in England and Wales. In Scotland, landlords must also keep records of why an exemption applies and be prepared to provide evidence if requested by enforcement authorities.

Useful Resources:

• MEES Regulations and EPC requirements
• PRS Exemptions Register
• Landlord EPC guidance
• Government consultation and proposed changes
• UK Government – Energy Performance of Buildings Certificates: notes and definitions
• The History Of The EPC
• Historic England Energy Performance Certificates
• Elmhurt Energy EPC’s explained
• A guide to energy performance certificates for the marketing, sale and let of dwellings 
• MEES Regulations and EPC requirements
• PRS Exemptions Register
• Landlord EPC guidance
• Government consultation and proposed changes

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:

• Household Support Fund
• Cold Weather Payment
• Cost of Living
• Fuel Vouchers