EPC Certificate Renewal: When London Landlords Need One

An EPC certificate renewal is easy to overlook. EPCs last for ten years, so landlords and homeowners can easily forget the expiry date.

This matters more than ever. As we covered in EPC C by 2030: What London Landlords Need to Know About the New MEES Rules, private rental properties will need a valid EPC C by 1 October 2030.

Whether you need a new certificate now depends on your current EPC rating and expiry date.

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This guide explains when you need an EPC certificate renewal, when it makes sense to renew early, and how to plan around upcoming EPC changes.

When Do You Need an EPC Certificate Renewal?

Several situations can mean you need a new EPC certificate:

• Your current EPC has expired. An EPC lasts for ten years from the assessment date. Once it expires, you cannot use it to market the property for sale or rent.

• You want to sell or let the property. You need a valid EPC before you advertise the property.

• You have completed major improvements. An extension, loft conversion, new heating system or insulation can change the property’s energy performance. A new EPC can show the property’s updated rating.

• Your mortgage lender requests one. Some lenders may ask for an updated EPC during a remortgage or refinancing process.

• Your current rating is below the required minimum. An EPC rating of E, F or G can create compliance issues for landlords. If your property may qualify for an exemption, see our guide to EPC Exemptions in London.

How to Check If Your EPC Certificate Renewal Is Due

Check your existing EPC before booking a new assessment.

The government’s Find an Energy Certificate service is free to use. You can check the certificate’s expiry date, energy rating and recommendations.

It only takes a few minutes to check. Make sure you use the correct property address when searching.

If you cannot find the certificate, or it has already expired, you may need a new assessment.

Our Residential EPC service covers properties across London. If you need an EPC quickly for a sale or rental, our Same Day EPC service can help you get your certificate within hours.

Should You Renew Before the 2029 EPC Methodology Change?

This is an important point for London landlords.

The government plans to update the EPC methodology. Assessors are expected to start using the revised system from around 2029.

An existing EPC C should remain valid until its expiry date, even after the methodology changes. However, a new EPC issued after the change will use the updated methodology.

This could affect properties that sit close to the required rating.

If your property currently has an EPC C, renewing early may help you secure a longer period of compliance under the current system.

If your property has an EPC D, consider making improvements before your next assessment. Our guide on How to Improve Your EPC Rating From D to C in London explains some of the most useful improvements.

What Happens If You Do Not Renew on Time?

If your property needs an EPC and the certificate has expired, you may face problems when selling or letting it.

You could also face a civil penalty from local trading standards. This is separate from any MEES penalties that may apply to properties with a rating below the required minimum.

An expired EPC can also delay your plans.

Estate and letting agents may ask for a valid EPC before marketing a property. A lender may also request an up-to-date certificate during a remortgage.

For more information, see the official gov.uk guidance on Energy Performance Certificates.

Renewing Your EPC After Making Improvements

Planning insulation or heating upgrades before your next EPC assessment?

Complete the work first. Then book your EPC assessment.

An assessment before the improvements will not include the new work. You may then need to pay for another assessment after completing the upgrades.

Planning your EPC certificate renewal at the right time can therefore save money and avoid unnecessary work.

Our guide to The Cost of Getting an EPC in London explains what you can expect to pay.

Renewing Your EPC Before a Sale or Re-let

An EPC renewal often forms part of a wider property marketing plan.

If you are preparing a property for sale or rent, you may also need professional photography and floor plans.

Our Property Marketing Package combines these services with an EPC in one visit.

We also cover several areas across South London. See our guides for Croydon, Thornton Heath and Streatham for more property preparation tips.

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Book Your EPC Certificate Renewal

Not sure if your EPC is still valid?

Check your certificate first. If it has expired, or you need an updated assessment, we can help.

Book an EPC assessment online, check our pricing, or contact us if you need help checking your property’s EPC status.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Always check gov.uk for the latest official EPC requirements and deadlines.