Receiving an EPC compliance letter from your local authority or trading standards can be worrying — but it’s not the end of the road. Whether you’re a landlord, property manager, or seller, here’s what these letters really mean, how to respond, and what to do next.
🔗 Related: What Is an EPC? | Book an Assessor | Contact Us
🚨 What Is an EPC Compliance Letter?
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) compliance letter is a formal notice informing you that:
Your property does not have a valid EPC
Your property has an EPC rating below the legal minimum (usually Band E)
You may be in breach of MEES regulations (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)
It’s typically sent by your local authority or trading standards, especially in cases involving rented properties.
📜 What the Law Says
Since April 1, 2020, landlords cannot let residential properties in England and Wales with an EPC rating lower than Band E, unless they have:
Made all cost-effective improvements (up to the £3,500 cap)
Registered a valid exemption
Been granted temporary relief due to planning or tenancy restrictions
👉 Non-compliance may result in fines of up to £5,000 per property.
✅ Immediate Steps to Take If You’re Flagged
1. Check Your EPC Status
Visit the EPC Register and search your address. Confirm:
If your EPC is still valid (EPCs are valid for 10 years)
If the rating meets current rental or sales requirements
If there’s no EPC listed, it’s a clear violation.
2. Book a New Assessment
If your EPC is missing or expired, book an accredited assessor immediately to avoid penalties.
3. Assess Energy Efficiency Failings
If the rating is F or G, you may need to carry out energy upgrades, such as:
Loft or cavity wall insulation
Switching to a condensing boiler
Double glazing upgrades
You can then reassess the property to update its EPC.
4. Apply for a Legal Exemption (If Eligible)
Some properties qualify for MEES exemptions due to:
High cost of works
Tenant refusal
Planning restrictions (listed buildings, conservation areas)
Recent acquisitions (temporary relief)
You must register your exemption via the government’s PRS Exemptions Register.
5. Respond to the Authority
Reply to the compliance letter with proof of one or more of the following:
An upcoming EPC appointment
A valid EPC copy
Registered exemption documents
Evidence of recent improvement works
Failure to respond may escalate the matter legally.
📌 How EPCrate Can Help
At EPCrate, we:
Provide same-day and next-day EPCs
Help interpret EPC failings
Offer guidance on improvements or exemption eligibility
Assist landlords in staying MEES-compliant
🔍 Avoiding Future Compliance Issues
Set a reminder 9 years after each EPC to renew before expiry.
Update your EPC after major works, not just before sale or tenancy.
Maintain energy efficiency records to speed up exemption processes.
Work with a qualified assessor who understands MEES in depth.
🏁 Final Word
EPC compliance letters are a wake-up call, not a death sentence. With quick action — and the right help — you can resolve the issue, improve your rating, and stay on the right side of the law.
