When Do You Need a Domestic EPC? Legal Rules Every Property Owner Should Know

A Domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal document that shows how energy-efficient a home is.
In England and Wales, you must usually have a valid EPC before you market, sell, or rent out a residential property.

If you need to arrange one, visit our Domestic EPC service page:
👉 https://epcrate.co.uk/domestic-epc

The certificate grades the property from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient) and includes running costs, carbon emissions, and recommended improvements.

When a Domestic EPC Is Legally Required

1. Selling a Property

Before a home is advertised for sale — online, through an estate agent, or in a window — an EPC must already exist.

Legal requirement:
You cannot market the property without commissioning an EPC first.

Need a fast turnaround?
👉 Book here: https://epcrate.co.uk/booking/

2. Renting Out a Property

Landlords must provide a valid EPC to tenants before tenancy agreements are signed.

Under Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES):

• Rental properties must be rated E or above

• Letting an F or G rated property can result in fines

• Tenants must receive a copy free of charge

If you’re unsure about compliance, see:
👉 https://epcrate.co.uk/contact-us-epc-services-london/

3. Building a New Home

Newly constructed residential properties require an EPC after completion and before occupation.
This is usually arranged by the developer or builder.

4. Converting a Property into Flats

If a building is divided into separate self-contained dwellings:

Each unit requires its own EPC.

When You Do NOT Need a Domestic EPC

Exemptions may apply to:

• Listed buildings (where improvements would alter character)

• Temporary buildings (used under 2 years)

• Places of worship

• Stand-alone buildings under 50m²

However, most residential properties do require an EPC.

How Long an EPC Lasts

A Domestic EPC remains valid for:

10 years

You can reuse it within that period unless major structural changes affect energy performance.

You can also check existing certificates on the government register.

What Happens If You Don’t Have One?

Trading Standards may issue penalties.

Possible consequences:

• Financial fines (commonly £200+ for residential properties)

• Delays in selling

• Restrictions on renting

• Legal enforcement notices

Estate agents may also refuse to market the property without one.

What Information the EPC Includes

A Domestic EPC shows:

• Energy rating (A–G)

• Environmental impact rating

• Estimated annual energy costs

• Heating and insulation efficiency

• Recommended improvements

• Potential future rating

For full details about what’s assessed during a visit, see:
👉 https://epcrate.co.uk/domestic-epc

Order Your EPC Early

Best practice is to arrange your EPC before listing your property to avoid delays and ensure full legal compliance.

Book your assessment here:
👉 https://epcrate.co.uk/booking/

View pricing:
👉 https://epcrate.co.uk/pricing/