EPC for Landlords: What London Property Owners Need to Know Before Renting
If you are a landlord preparing a property for a new tenant, checking the EPC for your rental property should be one of the early steps in your preparation.
An Energy Performance Certificate provides an energy efficiency rating for a property and is an important part of the process of letting many properties in England and Wales.
For London landlords, arranging an EPC early can help avoid unnecessary delays when preparing a property for marketing.
This guide explains what landlords should check, when an EPC is required, what happens if the rating is low and how to prepare your rental property for its next tenancy.
What Is an EPC for Landlords?
An Energy Performance Certificate, commonly called an EPC, provides information about the energy efficiency of a property.
The certificate gives the property an energy efficiency rating from A to G, with A representing the highest rating.
An EPC can also include recommendations for potential energy-efficiency improvements.
For landlords, the EPC is particularly relevant when preparing a property to be rented out.
The current GOV.UK guidance states that privately rented properties covered by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards generally cannot be let below an E rating unless a valid exemption applies.
This means landlords should check their property’s current EPC before advertising a rental property.
When Does a Landlord Need an EPC?
Most residential properties being offered for rent need an EPC.
If you are preparing a property for a new tenancy, start by checking whether the property already has a valid certificate.
An EPC is generally valid for 10 years, although a newer EPC can replace an existing certificate.
You can check an existing certificate through the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service.
This is useful because you may already have a valid EPC and therefore may not need to arrange another assessment immediately.
Why Should Landlords Check the EPC Before Advertising?
Leaving the EPC until the last minute can create avoidable problems.
For example, you may have:
A tenant ready to move in
An estate agent preparing the listing
Professional photographs already arranged
A property description ready
A planned tenancy start date
Only to discover that the EPC has expired.
Checking the certificate early gives you time to arrange an assessment if one is required.
The GOV.UK guidance states that an EPC generally needs to be obtained before a property is marketed for sale or rent, subject to applicable exemptions.
What EPC Rating Does a Rental Property Need?
For private rented properties covered by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, landlords generally need an EPC rating of E or above, unless a valid exemption has been registered.
GOV.UK confirms that landlords cannot generally let or continue to let covered properties with an EPC rating below E unless an exemption applies.
This is important for landlords who discover that their property has an F or G rating.
A low EPC rating does not simply mean that the certificate should be ignored. You may need to consider eligible improvements or determine whether a valid exemption applies.
What If Your Rental Property Has an EPC Rating of F or G?
If your property has an EPC rating below E, do not assume that you can simply continue renting it without checking the current rules.
The government guidance explains that landlords may need to improve the property to EPC E or register a valid exemption where the property qualifies.
Possible exemption categories can include situations involving:
High improvement costs
Wall insulation restrictions
Third-party consent
Property devaluation
Certain circumstances involving recently becoming a landlord
The exact requirements depend on the exemption.
If you believe your property may qualify, check the current GOV.UK guidance on private rented property energy standards.
You can also check the official Private Rented Sector Exemptions Register.
Do not assume that an old exemption automatically applies to a new landlord. GOV.UK guidance notes that registered exemptions may not transfer to a new owner or landlord following a sale or other transfer.
Does a Landlord Need a New EPC Every Time a Tenant Changes?
No.
An EPC is generally valid for 10 years.
If your property already has a valid EPC, you should check the certificate before arranging a new assessment.
A new assessment may be appropriate if the existing certificate has expired or if you need an updated assessment for another reason.
You can check the property’s existing EPC through the official government search service.
This simple check can save landlords from arranging an unnecessary assessment.
How Should Landlords Prepare for an EPC Assessment?
You do not need to completely renovate a property before an EPC assessment.
However, it helps to make the relevant areas accessible to the assessor.
Before the appointment, consider checking that the assessor can access:
All rooms
The boiler
Heating controls
Meter areas
Loft access where applicable
Relevant utility areas
If you have documentation relating to energy improvements, keep it available.
Useful documents may include information about:
Boiler installation
Loft insulation
Cavity wall insulation
Double glazing
Heating systems
Renewable energy installations
The assessor can then consider the available information when carrying out the assessment.
For a detailed explanation, see our guide on what an EPC assessment checks in a London property.
What Can Affect a Landlord’s EPC Rating?
A property’s EPC rating can be influenced by several characteristics.
These can include:
Heating
The type and efficiency of the property’s heating system can affect its energy performance assessment.
Insulation
Loft, wall and other insulation can influence the property’s energy efficiency.
Windows
Glazing and window characteristics can form part of the assessment.
Lighting
The type of lighting installed can also be considered.
Hot Water
The property’s hot-water system is another part of the assessment.
Building Characteristics
The property’s size, construction and other physical characteristics are also relevant.
An EPC assessment is based on the property’s characteristics rather than simply how much energy a particular tenant happens to use.
Should Landlords Improve the Property Before an EPC Assessment?
Landlords sometimes wonder whether they should make improvements before arranging the EPC.
There is no single answer for every property.
If you already know that the property needs improvements, it may make sense to consider them as part of your wider property-maintenance plans.
However, landlords should avoid assuming that every improvement will automatically produce a particular EPC rating.
The assessment should reflect the actual property and relevant evidence available to the assessor.
If you want to understand your current position, arranging an EPC assessment can provide useful information before making larger decisions.
What If You Need an EPC Quickly?
Rental properties often need to be prepared around tenant move-out dates, refurbishment work and new tenancy deadlines.
If you discover that your EPC has expired close to the planned marketing date, you may need a faster appointment.
Urgent EPC provides Same Day EPC and next-day appointment options across London, subject to availability.
The current service information also states that most certificates are delivered within around two hours after the inspection.
If you are working to a tight deadline, see our Same Day EPC service.
EPC for Landlords Across London
Landlords across London may need EPC services for different types of rental properties, including:
Flats
Apartments
Houses
HMOs
Rental investments
Buy-to-let properties
Urgent EPC provides residential EPC services across London and South London.
Service areas include locations such as:
Croydon CR0 and CR2
Thornton Heath CR7
Mitcham CR4
Clapham SW4 and SW9
Streatham SW16
Tooting SW17
Sutton SM1, SM2 and SM3
Wandsworth
Wimbledon
Balham
Fulham
Central London
If you are a landlord in Croydon, Mitcham, Streatham, Tooting or Sutton, check availability when arranging your assessment.
Should Landlords Arrange Photography and a Floor Plan Too?
An EPC is only one part of preparing a rental property.
If you are advertising the property online, you may also need:
Professional property photography
A property floor plan
Property description
Rental information
Relevant compliance documents
Professional photography helps present the property visually, while a floor plan helps prospective tenants understand the layout.
Urgent EPC provides professional property photography in London as well as professional floor plans.
This means landlords can arrange several property marketing services through one provider.
Our property marketing package guide explains how EPCs, photography and floor plans can be combined when preparing a property for the market.
A Simple EPC Checklist for London Landlords
Before advertising your rental property, work through this checklist.
EPC
☐ Check whether the property already has an EPC
☐ Check the certificate expiry date
☐ Confirm the EPC rating
☐ Arrange a new assessment if required
☐ Check whether any exemption applies if the property is below the required standard
Property Preparation
☐ Check heating and hot water systems
☐ Make relevant rooms accessible
☐ Keep available documentation for energy improvements
☐ Complete planned maintenance
Marketing
☐ Arrange professional property photography
☐ Arrange a property floor plan
☐ Prepare the rental listing
☐ Confirm the EPC information is available
☐ Give the required information to your letting agent
Frequently Asked Questions
What EPC rating does a landlord need?
For private rented properties covered by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, the general minimum is EPC E unless a valid exemption applies. Always check the latest government guidance for your specific property.
How long is a landlord EPC valid?
An EPC is generally valid for 10 years, although a newer EPC can replace an existing certificate.
Can I rent out a property with an EPC rating of F?
A privately rented property covered by the MEES regulations generally cannot be let below EPC E unless a valid exemption applies. Check the current GOV.UK guidance before making a decision.
How do I check my property’s existing EPC?
You can use the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service to search for the property’s EPC.
Do landlords need an EPC before advertising a rental property?
Most properties require an EPC before they are marketed for rent, subject to applicable exemptions.
Can I get a same-day EPC in London?
Same-day appointments may be available depending on location and assessor availability. Urgent EPC provides same-day and next-day EPC options across London.
Should I arrange photography and a floor plan for my rental?
They are useful property marketing materials. Photography shows the property’s appearance, while a floor plan helps prospective tenants understand the layout.
Prepare Your Rental Property With Urgent EPC
For landlords, checking the EPC early can help prevent avoidable delays when preparing a property for its next tenancy.
Start by checking whether the property already has a valid certificate. If you need a new assessment, arrange it before the property is marketed.
If the property has a low rating, check the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and determine whether improvements or a valid exemption apply.
For landlords who are also preparing a property listing, Urgent EPC can provide an EPC, professional floor plan and property photography.
You can book an EPC appointment or check the latest EPC pricing before arranging your assessment.
For official information about private rented property energy standards, always refer to the latest GOV.UK landlord guidance.
