If you’re listing a property on Airbnb, Vrbo, or other short-term rental platforms, you might be wondering:
Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

While EPC requirements are clear for standard property sales and long-term rentals, short-term lets fall into a legal grey area. Misunderstanding these obligations could expose property owners to fines or compliance risks.

At EPCrate, we help landlords, hosts, and property managers navigate these EPC complexities.

The EPC Requirement in a Nutshell

In the UK, an EPC is legally required when:

  • A property is built.

  • A property is sold.

  • A property is rented out.

However, the legislation doesn’t explicitly define how short-term lets or holiday lets fit into this framework.

Do Short-Term Let Properties (e.g., Airbnb) Require an EPC?

It depends on several factors:

1. Length & Nature of Letting Arrangements

  • Genuine Holiday Lets (Less than 4 Months a Year):
    If the property is rented out as a holiday let for less than 4 months annually, it may be exempt from EPC requirements.

  • Short-Term Lets Operating Year-Round:
    If the property is available to rent on a continuous basis (12 months/year), it is typically regarded as a rental dwelling, requiring a valid EPC.

2. Letting as Part of a Business Model

If the short-term let is part of a commercial operation or you’re managing multiple Airbnb properties, local councils may consider it as a private rented sector (PRS) activity, triggering Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) compliance.

3. Self-Contained Units vs Shared Accommodation

  • Entire property lets (self-contained) are more likely to require an EPC.

  • Spare room rentals or shared accommodation arrangements may not trigger the EPC requirement under current interpretations.

MEES Regulations: A Critical Factor for Airbnb Hosts

If an EPC is required, the property must comply with MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards):

  • Minimum EPC E rating required for rental properties.

  • Government proposals aim to raise this to C rating by 2028 for all private rentals.

Non-compliance can lead to fines up to £5,000 (increasing to £30,000) depending on enforcement escalation.

Legal Grey Areas & Risk Exposure

  1. No Consistent National Enforcement
    Enforcement of EPC compliance for Airbnb-style lettings varies by local authority, leading to inconsistent applications of the law.

  2. Airbnb Platform Policies May Change
    While platforms like Airbnb do not currently mandate EPCs for listings, regulatory pressures could change this, especially in urban areas.

  3. Lenders & Insurance Policies
    Some mortgage lenders and insurance providers now require EPC documentation for properties generating rental income, regardless of let duration.

Should You Get an EPC for Your Airbnb Property?

It’s highly advisable to obtain an EPC if:

  • Your property is listed for continuous short-term letting throughout the year.

  • You own multiple short-term let properties.

  • You are seeking to future-proof your business against upcoming MEES tightening.

  • You’re applying for green mortgages, grants, or insurance products requiring EPC documentation.

Book an EPC Assessment for Your Short-Term Let with EPCrate

Uncertain whether your Airbnb property requires an EPC?
EPCrate provides clear, actionable advice and assessments tailored to short-term let scenarios.
Book your EPC assessment or explore our pricing plans for short-term let properties.