Landlords' guide to Energy Performance Certificates

A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required before a property can be marketed and will be valid for ten years. It is the property owner’s responsibility to arrange the assessment.

EPCs show how energy efficient the property is, and what changes could be made to improve its energy efficiency. The certificates give each property a rating from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient). For any Assured Shorthold Tenancy, the energy efficiency rating for the property must be between A-E, unless an exemption applies and the property is listed on the PRS Exemption Register. 

As well as an assessment of the property’s energy use, the certificates also look at the volume of CO2 emissions.

EPC assessments must be carried out by approved assessors, which are listed on the EPC register, and usually costs between £60 and £120.

Saving money by improving the energy efficiency

The EPC usually contains several recommendations on how the property’s energy efficiency can be improved. Alongside these recommendations is a typical cost of how much the improvement might cost, and the typical annual saving. These calculations are based on several assumptions, including typical energy costs, so should be seen as a guide rather than an exact recommendation.

Tax deductible energy saving improvements

Landlords may benefit from tax relief when making energy saving improvements as part of the Government's Landlord's Energy Saving Allowance (LESA).

HMOs

If the property requires a licence from the local authority (mandatory, additional or selective) then the local authority may choose to implement a higher energy efficiency rating than the standard A-E. The individual local authority’s website will give you information on this and any other licence conditions.