Do I need an EPC?

Do I need an EPC to sell my house?

Yes. Before marketing starts, an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) must be ordered by the seller, unless a valid one already exists. Before your home is listed, your estate agent must be sure an EPC has been ordered.

From that point, you have 7 days to get it. If you tried but could not get it in time, you're allowed a further 21 days.

Any advert must show the band letter, such as C. A copy must also go to the buyer free of charge. EPC when selling has the full steps.

Renting out a home

Before a landlord advertises a home to let, they need a certificate. Show it early to anyone who might rent, and no later than when they request a viewing or details.

If you let a single room in a shared home, that room doesn't need its own certificate. If the whole building is sold or let, though, it does need one.

A minimum rating also applies to homes that are rented out. Right now that is band E, and it rises to band C by 1 October 2030. EPC for landlords has more detail.

When a new certificate isn't needed

An EPC stays valid for 10 years. During that period, the same one can cover each sale or let. Look yours up on the EPC register.

Living in the home already? Then a certificate is only needed if you sell it, assign it or sublet it. A few kinds of deal don't count as selling or letting at all:

• renewals or extensions of a lease
• a compulsory purchase order
• share sales in a company, where the company still owns the buildings
• surrenders of a lease

EPC exemptions buildings can claim

Only a few buildings are exempt from the rules. GOV.UK says you don't need an EPC for:

• temporary buildings whose planned use lasts under 2 years
• stand-alone buildings with a useful floor space under 50 square metres
• workshops, industrial sites or farm buildings that aren't heavy energy users
• some buildings scheduled for demolition
• holiday homes let out for under 4 months in a year, or rented under a licence to occupy
• homes planned to be in use for less than 4 months per year
• places of worship
• listed buildings, if meeting minimum standards through work would unacceptably change their character or look

If your home is listed, speak to your council's conservation officer before anything else. You can read more about listed buildings and EPCs. Exemptions for landlords under the rental rules are covered separately on EPC exemptions.

What if you don't get one

In England and Wales, trading standards officers enforce these rules. If you put a home on the market without one, you can be issued a fixed penalty of £200.

Each advert that omits the band letter can also carry the same £200. Handing over a copy within 7 days is required if an officer asks for one. You can get an EPC whenever one is needed.

Northern Ireland and Scotland

Selling, letting or building all still require a certificate under the same basic rule. Scotland adds one more duty: you must display it in the property, for example in the meter cupboard. EPCs in Scotland has the details.

The rules in Northern Ireland are enforced by district councils, which can issue a penalty charge notice. EPCs in Northern Ireland explains more.