An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for most properties in the UK when they are sold or rented. If you fail to obtain a valid EPC when one is required, there can be serious legal and financial consequences.
This guide explains:
- When an EPC is legally required
- What happens if you don’t have one
- Fines and penalties for homeowners and landlords
- How enforcement works
- What to do if your EPC has expired
When Is an EPC Legally Required?
You must have a valid EPC if you are:
- Selling a residential property
- Renting out a property to tenants
- Marketing a property for sale or rent
The EPC must be available before the property is advertised and must be provided to:
- Prospective buyers, or
- Prospective tenants
Failing to do this is a breach of UK regulations.
Landlords must also comply with carbon monoxide alarm legal requirements and obtain a valid gas safety certificate.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an EPC?
If you do not have a valid EPC when one is required, several things can happen depending on whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or agent.
These consequences are enforced by Trading Standards and local authorities.
Properties that fall below the minimum EPC rating for landlords may face enforcement action.
Fines and Penalties for Not Having an EPC
Homeowners
If you sell a property without a valid EPC, you may face:
- A fixed penalty of £200 per breach
- Delays to the sale process
- Estate agents refusing to market the property
Although the fine for homeowners is lower than for landlords, sales can easily fall through due to missing documentation.
Landlords
Penalties for landlords are significantly higher.
If you rent out a property without a valid EPC:
- You can be fined up to £5,000
- You may be prevented from legally letting the property
- You could face further enforcement action if the issue is not resolved
In addition, landlords must ensure their property meets minimum energy efficiency standards, not just that an EPC exists.
EPC Penalties and Consequences (UK)
| Situation | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|
| Selling a property without an EPC | Fine issued and property cannot be legally marketed |
| Letting a property without an EPC | Fine of up to £5,000 for residential properties |
| Advertising without an EPC | Estate agents must remove listings |
| EPC expired before sale or re-let | New EPC required before proceeding |
| Non-compliant rental EPC rating | Additional fines under energy efficiency rules |
Penalties are usually issued per breach, meaning multiple properties can result in multiple fines.
EPC Requirements for Landlords
Landlords have stricter responsibilities than homeowners.
You must:
- Have a valid EPC before letting a property
- Ensure the EPC rating is E or above, unless exempt
- Provide a copy of the EPC to tenants
- Renew the EPC every 10 years or sooner if required
Failing to comply can lead to:
- Fines
- Inability to legally let the property
- Problems serving a Section 21 eviction notice
- Breach of landlord insurance terms
Landlords must also complete a 5-year electrical safety inspection (EICR).
You can check typical EICR costs here.
A valid Gas Safety Certificate is also required.
What EPC Rating Is Required?
Most rental properties in England and Wales must meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
| EPC Rating | Can You Rent the Property? |
|---|---|
| A – E | Yes |
| F – G | No (unless exempt) |
If your property is rated F or G, you may need to carry out energy efficiency improvements or register an exemption.
What If You Don’t Have an EPC but the Property Is Already Rented?
If your property is already rented and the EPC has expired:
- You must obtain a new EPC before renewing or re-letting
- Continuing to rent without compliance may be unlawful
Local authorities can investigate rental properties and request documentation at any time.
Can an Estate or Letting Agent Market a Property Without an EPC?
No. Estate agents and letting agents cannot legally advertise a property for sale or rent without a valid EPC.
If an EPC is missing:
- Listings may be removed
- Marketing may be delayed
- Agents may refuse to act on your behalf
Some agents may offer to arrange an EPC for you, often at a higher cost.
What Happens If Your EPC Has Expired?
An EPC lasts for 10 years. Once it expires:
- It is no longer legally valid
- A new EPC must be obtained before selling or renting
Using an expired EPC is treated the same as not having one at all.
Are There Any Exemptions From EPC Requirements?
Yes — some properties do not require an EPC.
Common EPC Exemptions
| Exemption Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Listed buildings | Where energy improvements would harm the building’s character |
| Temporary buildings | Intended for use less than 2 years |
| Small detached buildings | Total floor area under 50 m² |
| Places of worship | Used primarily for religious purposes |
| Buildings due for demolition | Proper evidence required |
Even if exempt, evidence may be required if challenged by enforcement authorities.
Can You Be Fined More Than Once?
Yes. Fines can be issued:
- Per property
- Per breach
If non-compliance continues, enforcement action can escalate, leading to repeated penalties.
How Is EPC Compliance Enforced?
Local authorities enforce EPC regulations through:
- Routine checks
- Complaints from tenants or buyers
- Inspections of advertised properties
You may be asked to provide:
- A copy of the EPC
- Evidence of compliance or exemption
Failure to respond can result in further penalties.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Have an EPC?
If you realise you don’t have a valid EPC:
- Arrange an EPC assessment immediately
- Stop marketing the property until it is available
- Provide the EPC to buyers or tenants as required
EPC assessments are usually quick and affordable, and acting promptly can reduce the risk of enforcement.
How Much Does an EPC Cost?
Typical EPC costs in the UK are:
- Flats: £60–£90
- Houses: £70–£120
- Large or complex properties: £120–£150+
The assessment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and the certificate is issued within 24 to 48 hours.
You can check typical EICR costs here.
Also see typical EPC costs in the UK and how pricing works.
How to Check If a Property Has an EPC
You can:
- Search the national EPC register online
- Ask the seller, landlord, or estate agent
- Request a copy from your landlord (tenants are entitled to one)
If no valid EPC exists, a new one must be arranged.
How to Get a New EPC
Getting an EPC is straightforward:
- Book an accredited energy assessor
- Property assessment carried out (usually 30–60 minutes)
- EPC issued and registered
- Certificate valid for 10 years
Most EPCs are issued within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to sell or rent a property without an EPC?
Yes. In the UK, it is illegal to sell or rent most properties without a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), unless the property qualifies for a legal exemption.
What is the fine for not having an EPC?
Fines for not having an EPC can range from £200 for residential properties to £5,000 or more for commercial buildings, depending on the breach and local authority enforcement.
Do landlords need an EPC before renting out a property?
Yes. Landlords must have a valid EPC before marketing or letting a property, and the EPC rating must meet the minimum energy efficiency standards unless exempt.
What EPC rating is legally required for landlords?
Most rented properties in England and Wales must have an EPC rating of E or above, unless the landlord has a registered exemption under current regulations.
Are there any exemptions from needing an EPC?
Yes. Some properties are exempt, including listed buildings where compliance would alter their character, temporary buildings, and certain properties due for demolition.
Can I be fined if my EPC expires?
Yes. An EPC is valid for 10 years. If it expires and the property is sold or rented without a new certificate, enforcement action and fines may apply.
Summary
If you do not have a valid EPC when one is required, you may face fines, delays, and legal enforcement.
Key points to remember:
- An EPC is required before selling or renting a property
- Landlords can be fined up to £5,000
- Rental properties must meet minimum EPC ratings
- Expired EPCs are treated as invalid
Ensuring you have a valid EPC protects you from penalties and helps you comply with UK property law.