As Airbnb and other short-term letting platforms continue to reshape the rental market, property owners are increasingly faced with questions regarding Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). While EPCs are a legal requirement for most property transactions and long-term rentals, the situation becomes more complex when it comes to short-term lets.

Understanding how EPC regulations apply to Airbnb-style properties—and how assessors approach these assessments—can help landlords and hosts stay compliant while maximizing their property’s appeal to eco-conscious guests.

Do Airbnb and Short-Term Lets Legally Require an EPC?

The legal requirement for an EPC typically applies to:

  • Properties being sold or let (rented) to a new tenant.

  • Rental agreements lasting 6 months or more.

However, the status of short-term holiday lets (such as Airbnb properties) falls into a grey area, because:

  • If the property is let for short-term holiday accommodation and is booked on a per-night or weekly basis, it may be exempt.

  • If the property is marketed as a residential rental for longer-term stays, even through Airbnb, it may require an EPC.

Local council regulations and planning use class (C3 vs C1 use) can also influence whether an EPC is mandatory.

Assessment Challenges for EPCs on Short-Term Let Properties

Even when an EPC is required, assessing an Airbnb property poses unique difficulties that can affect the resulting energy rating.

1. Mixed-Use Ambiguities

Many Airbnb units are part of mixed-use properties (e.g., flats above shops or live/workspaces). EPC software can struggle to accurately model energy demands in these scenarios due to unclear usage patterns.

2. Intermittent Occupancy Assumptions

EPC assessments are based on a standard occupancy model, assuming continuous year-round usage. For properties primarily used as holiday lets, this model can exaggerate perceived energy demand, leading to a lower-than-expected EPC score.

3. Heating & Hot Water System Penalties

Hosts often install on-demand electric heaters or immersion tanks for short-stay convenience. While practical, these can negatively affect EPC outcomes if considered primary heating sources.

4. Secondary Kitchens & Appliances

Many Airbnb properties are retrofitted with additional small kitchens or utility areas. If these upgrades aren’t documented correctly, they can be flagged as energy inefficiencies in the assessment process.

5. Compliance with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

While MEES regulations require properties with EPC ratings of F or G to be upgraded before letting, their application to short-term lets remains legally ambiguous. However, enforcement is increasing in some regions.

How to Ensure an Accurate EPC for Airbnb & Short-Term Let Properties

  • Clarify the Intended Use: Make sure the assessor understands whether the property operates as a short-term let, holiday home, or mixed-use unit.

  • Provide System Specifications: Ensure heating, hot water, and insulation upgrades are documented with efficiency ratings.

  • Consider Auxiliary Heating Systems: Document primary vs backup heating sources to avoid being penalized for portable or secondary appliances.

  • Work with Experienced Assessors: Choose assessors who are familiar with assessing non-standard occupancy patterns in EPC software.

EPCrate: EPC Services for Airbnb & Short-Term Let Properties

At EPCrate, we specialize in navigating EPC assessments for Airbnb hosts and short-term rental properties. Our EPC services are tailored to handle the complexities of intermittent occupancy and mixed-use layouts.

Review our pricing and book an EPC assessment via our online booking platform.

Book Your Airbnb EPC Assessment Today

Ensure your property complies with EPC regulations while presenting its energy-efficient features accurately. Contact EPCrate to schedule an expert assessment.