If you’re preparing to sell or rent out a property, one of the first documents you’ll need is an Energy Performance Certificate. But how long does an EPC last, and when exactly do you need to get a new one?
This guide breaks down everything UK property owners need to know about EPC validity periods, expiry rules, costs, and what happens if you don’t have one when you need it. Whether you’re a landlord managing rental properties or a homeowner planning to sell, understanding these rules will help you avoid delays, penalties, and unnecessary stress.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. This applies to both domestic and commercial buildings across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
During that 10-year validity period, you can reuse the same EPC certificate multiple times. It doesn’t matter how many times the property changes hands or how often you grant new tenancies—the certificate remains valid until its expiry date.
You only need to commission a new EPC when:
Here’s an important point that catches many people out: there’s no automatic legal requirement to renew an EPC the day it expires. If you’re living in your own home and have no plans to sell or let it, an expired EPC creates no legal issues whatsoever.
The rest of this article covers what an EPC actually shows, how to check if yours is still valid, typical costs and timings, and the penalties you could face for non-compliance.
An Energy Performance Certificate is a standardised government document that rates a building’s energy efficiency and estimates its carbon emissions. Think of it as a property’s energy efficiency report card.
Every EPC uses the familiar A–G rating scale, where A represents the most energy efficient buildings and G represents the least. Most existing dwellings in the UK currently sit around band D, which gives you a useful benchmark for understanding where your home’s energy efficiency stands.
When an energy assessor visits your property, they examine factors like insulation levels, heating systems, windows, and lighting. The resulting EPC report contains several key pieces of information:
InformationWhat It ShowsCurrent ratingYour property’s energy performance right now (A–G)Potential ratingWhat you could achieve with improvementsTypical energy costsEstimated annual energy bills based on standard usageRecommended improvementsSteps to boost your epc rating, such as insulation or double glazing
The certificate relates to the property itself, not to any individual owner, tenant, or business using it. This means a valid EPC travels with the building through sales and tenancy changes.
It’s worth noting that EPCs apply to both homes and commercial buildings, though the assessment process and some regulatory details differ. Non-residential properties like offices, retail units, and industrial sites have their own assessment methodology.
Let’s be absolutely clear on the timeline: EPCs are valid for exactly 10 years from the “date of certificate” shown on the front page of the document. This validity period is set out in the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.
You must commission a new EPC when you:
For owner-occupied homes, there’s no requirement to renew your EPC if you’re simply living there. Even if your existing EPC is 15 years old, you won’t face any penalties unless you try to sell or rent without updating it.
Landlords managing existing tenancies have some flexibility too. You don’t need a fresh certificate every time a tenant renews their agreement. As long as the EPC remains within its 10-year window, you can continue using it for the same tenancy. However, you must ensure there’s a valid EPC in place at the point you grant any new tenancies.
One thing to watch: regulations can and do change. The government has proposed raising minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties, which could require landlords to achieve a minimum band C rating. If such rules come into force, relying on an old certificate that shows a lower rating may not be enough—even if it’s technically still valid. Always check current government guidance before assuming your existing EPC will meet new compliance requirements.
You can confirm your EPC’s status online for free in just a few minutes. There’s no need to dig through paperwork or contact your solicitor.
For properties in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, use the official Energy Performance of Buildings Register. For Scotland, there’s a separate Scottish EPC register with the same functionality.
Here’s how to check:
The register shows exactly when your EPC expires—10 years after the original assessment date. You’ll also see the current rating and can access the full report with recommended improvements.
If your property doesn’t appear on the register, it likely means either:
In either case, you’ll need to arrange a new EPC assessment before marketing the property.
Once the 10-year validity period passes, the certificate becomes legally unacceptable for new sales or new tenancies. However, simply owning a property with an expired EPC isn’t illegal.
The problems arise only when you try to:
There’s no automatic fine for letting your certificate lapse. Enforcement action only follows if you actively market or transact without proper documentation in place.
From a practical standpoint, you’ll hit roadblocks quickly if you try to proceed without a valid certificate. Conveyancers, letting agents, and solicitors will insist on seeing an in-date EPC before they:
This means an expired EPC can delay your sale or letting by weeks while you scramble to arrange a new assessment.
Smart property owners plan ahead. If your EPC expires in the next 6-12 months and you’re considering selling or letting, arrange a replacement now. This gives you flexibility to market the property whenever you choose.
There’s another benefit to renewing early: if you’ve made energy efficiency improvements since the last assessment—new insulation, a modern boiler, or upgraded heating systems—your new EPC rating might be significantly better. A higher rating can make your property more attractive in a competitive market and help landlords meet minimum energy efficiency standards.
In most cases, there’s no legal requirement to order a new EPC every time you improve something. Adding loft insulation, replacing a few windows, or upgrading your boiler doesn’t automatically trigger a reassessment.
However, if you’ve made substantial changes that could materially affect the rating, getting a new EPC makes practical sense. Major improvements might include:
For works signed off by Building Control—extensions, major refurbishments, new builds—the contractor is often required to provide a post-completion EPC. This effectively replaces your old certificate and starts a fresh 10-year validity period.
Consider a concrete example: a terraced house with an existing EPC rating of E undergoes significant upgrades. The owner installs cavity wall insulation, replaces single-glazed windows with double glazing, and fits a new condensing boiler. A reassessment might bump the rating up to C—a change that could save money on energy bills, make the property more attractive to potential buyers, and ensure compliance with tightening regulations.
Even if not strictly mandatory, updating a very old EPC can be worthwhile. An assessment carried out in 2010-2012 used different calculation methods and didn’t account for building standards that have since evolved. A fresh assessment provides a more accurate picture of your property’s energy performance today.
While most properties sold or rented need an EPC, UK regulations include clear exemptions. Understanding these can save you unnecessary expense and effort.
The main exemptions include:
Property TypeExemption CriteriaListed buildingsWhere required energy efficiency improvements would unacceptably alter the building’s characterTemporary buildingsUsed for less than two yearsStand alone buildingsDetached structures under 50 m² of floor spacePlaces of worshipChurches, mosques, temples, etc.Industrial sitesWorkshops and non residential agricultural buildings with low energy demandDemolition propertiesBuildings due for demolition with appropriate planning evidence
For landlords, exemptions aren’t simply a matter of deciding your property qualifies. You must formally register the exemption on the government register (the PRS Exemptions Register) with supporting evidence. An informal decision not to get an EPC won’t protect you from enforcement action.
Individual rooms in shared houses or bedsits that aren’t self-contained usually don’t need separate EPCs. The requirement typically applies to the whole dwelling, depending on the tenancy type.
The rules vary depending on location. Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own specific regulations, and commercial buildings face different requirements than residential properties. When in doubt, check the latest government guidance or consult a local authority conservation officer for listed building queries.
Holiday accommodation also has specific rules—some short-term lets require EPCs while others don’t, depending on how frequently the property is rented.
For a typical UK home, the onsite EPC assessment takes around 45-90 minutes depending on size and complexity. The assessor examines your property, records construction details, checks heating systems, measures floor space, and notes features like insulation and glazing.
After the visit, the certificate is usually issued within 24-72 hours, though regulations allow up to around 10 days for processing.
Current EPC cost ranges for domestic properties:
Property TypeTypical CostStandard flat£60–£80Mid-sized house£80–£100Larger or complex homes£100–£120+London and South EastOften 10-20% higher
Commercial EPCs are usually more expensive and can require more detailed surveys. Large offices, retail spaces, and industrial buildings may cost several hundred pounds to assess, depending on complexity.
Prices aren’t fixed by government, so comparing quotes makes sense. Look for accredited Domestic Energy Assessors through the official EPC register, which lists qualified professionals in your area. For commercial properties, you’ll need a specifically accredited non-domestic assessor.
When budgeting time, allow at least a week from booking to receiving your certificate. During busy periods—spring selling season, for example—assessors may be booked up, so planning ahead avoids last-minute stress.
Failing to provide a valid EPC when required results in civil penalties, not criminal prosecution. However, the fines can add up quickly.
For domestic sales and lettings in England and Wales:
For commercial buildings, the penalties work differently. Fines can be calculated as a percentage of the property’s rateable value, subject to minimum and maximum amounts that vary depending on circumstances.
Local councils and designated enforcement authorities can issue Penalty Charge Notices for:
Beyond official fines, you’ll face practical penalties too. Solicitors, mortgage lenders, and estate agents won’t proceed without proper documentation. A missing EPC can derail a sale at the last minute, costing far more in lost time and legal fees than the certificate itself.
The maths is simple: an EPC assessment costs £60-£120 and takes a week to arrange. The alternative—fines, aborted transactions, and frustrated buyers or tenants—costs far more. Commission your certificate in good time.
Here’s what you need to remember:
For landlords especially, diarise your EPC expiry dates. Getting caught without a valid certificate when a tenant gives notice can delay re-letting by weeks. Many property owners set a reminder 6 months before expiry to allow time for a calm, planned replacement.
If you’re unsure about your current position, check the official EPC register today. It takes two minutes and tells you exactly where you stand. For properties approaching expiry or those where you’ve made significant energy efficiency improvements, contact an accredited energy assessor to discuss your options.
Whether you’re a landlord maintaining rental properties or a homeowner preparing to sell, understanding how long an EPC lasts keeps you compliant, avoids unnecessary penalties, and ensures smooth transactions when the time comes.
