EPC
How do I check the EPC rating of a property?
Every property let or sold in Great Britain since 2008 must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate, and certificates are public. Enter the postcode into the official register at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate and you'll see the current rating (A to G), the expiry date, and a downloadable PDF.
Certificates are valid for ten years. If the most recent one has expired, the property has no current EPC, even if the recorded band still appears on the register. New certificates are lodged when a property is sold, let, or upgraded.
For Scotland, search the Scottish EPC Register. For bulk checks across a portfolio, the Homedata EPC Checker resolves an address to the latest certificate plus expiry status, and the underlying API supports batch lookups by UPRN.
What this means in practice
A 1980s semi in SE15 4QR shows current band D, score 62, lodged 14 March 2016 — so it expired 13 March 2026. The "current" band on aggregator listings often still displays D because the data was scraped before expiry. Anyone marketing the property to let after that date is technically letting without a valid EPC, a breach of the 2012 Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations with fines up to £5,000 enforced by Trading Standards. Always check both the band and the expiry date.
Related questions
Do I need a new EPC if I only re-let to the same tenant?
If the existing EPC is still within its 10-year validity, no — the certificate carries through. If it has expired and the tenancy renews or rolls onto a periodic tenancy, you need a fresh EPC before the new tenancy begins under the MEES Regulations. The trigger is granting a new tenancy or extending an existing fixed term, not collecting rent. Statutory periodic tenancies arising automatically at the end of a fixed term are treated as a new tenancy for MEES purposes.
Are listed buildings exempt from EPC requirements?
Listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas are exempt only where compliance with minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance. The exemption is not automatic — the landlord must register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register with supporting evidence (typically a letter from a conservation officer or accredited assessor). Without registration, the standard MEES band E minimum applies.
Related reading
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