Since 1st October 2008, an Energy Performance Certificate has been required on rented property in England and Wales. although there have been significant amendments to these regulations since.
The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 took effect on 9th January 2013 and revoke The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 and all of the amendments from 2007 to 2012.

How long does an EPC last?
An energy performance certificate and accompanying recommendation report lasts for 10 years unless another EPC has been produced within that time in which case only the latest one produced survives.

From 1 April 2018, all rented property must have an EPC rating of at least “E”.


The prospective landlord must make available free of charge a valid energy performance certificate to any prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity and in any event no later than whichever is the earlier of:
The first time the prospective landlord makes available to a prospective tenant any written information (such as Lettings particulars for example) about the building to the person; or At the time which the prospective tenant views the building.


An an EPC must be commissioned before a building is marketed for rent. The prospective landlord and agent must use all reasonable efforts to secure that a valid energy performance certificate is obtained for the building before the end of a period of 7 days starting with the day on which the building was first put on the market. If it was simply not possible to obtain the EPC within 7 days then, a further 21 days is allowed but this further 21 days is only allowed if all reasonable efforts were made to obtain the EPC in the first 7 days.


There are penalties for non-compliance with this regulation. In relation to a dwelling and a failure to commission before marketing or make available / give an EPC to a tenant, the penalty is £200.00. Where the building is not a dwelling (commercial buildings) the penalty is calculated by the formula found in regulation 38(2) with a minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5000.