In the UK, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) stays valid for 10 years from the date a qualified assessor issues it. You can reuse your valid EPC for multiple property sales or rental agreements.

Once the 10-year validity ends, you must get a new EPC before you sell or rent your property. If you’re not actively advertising the property, the law doesn’t require you to renew the certificate.

Why is an EPC Important?

An EPC isn’t just a legal box-ticking exercise, it’s a valuable document for both property owners and potential buyers or tenants.

Here’s why:

  • Legal requirement: If you’re selling or renting a property, you must have a valid EPC available to prospective buyers or tenants. Marketing a property without one can result in fines of £200 per breach.
  • Energy cost insights: The EPC provides an estimate of your property’s current and potential energy efficiency, showing typical energy usage and how much it might cost to heat, light, and power the property.
  • Improvement recommendations: It also includes suggestions on how to improve efficiency, such as installing loft insulation or replacing an old boiler, and the estimated cost savings. For example, switching to double-glazed windows could save an average household around £135 per year on energy bills.
  • Better property value: A higher EPC rating (A is the best, G is the worst) can make your property more attractive to buyers and tenants, especially as energy prices continue to rise.

What Does an EPC Cover?

An EPC includes:

  • The current energy efficiency rating (from A to G)
  • Estimated annual energy costs
  • Details of existing energy-saving features (like double glazing or solar panels)
  • Recommended improvements, their likely cost, and the potential rating if they’re carried out

Assessors compile EPCs using either the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) or Reduced Data SAP (RdSAP), depending on the property type.

Do I Need a New EPC if My Old One Has Expired?

If you’re selling or renting a property and your EPC has expired, you’ll need to commission a new one. If not, you don’t require one.

Even though expired certificates can still be viewed online via the official EPC Register, only valid, in-date EPCs are legally acceptable for property transactions.

What’s Involved in Getting a New EPC?

Booking an EPC is straightforward. Book a New EPC here through Consumer Rights.

 Here’s what to expect:

  • A qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) will visit your property.
  • The visit typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the home.
  • The assessor will need access to:
    • All rooms
    • The loft (if accessible)
    • Heating systems
    • Hot water tanks
    • Insulation areas
  • The assessment is non-invasive, it’s visual only, but the assessor will take photos and measurements for the report.

After the visit, the DEA will submit your EPC to the national EPC register. You’ll usually receive your certificate by email within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the provider and payment schedule.

Where Can I Find My EPC?

You can check your current EPC rating for free here: Check your EPC rating

Final Thoughts

To sum it up:

  • An EPC lasts 10 years and is legally required when selling or renting a property.
  • It gives valuable insight into a home’s energy performance and identifies areas where efficiency, and costs, can be improved.
  • If your EPC has expired and you’re planning to sell or let the property, a new certificate will be required before you market it.

For tailored advice or help booking an EPC assessment, feel free to contact Consumer Rights, we can help you stay compliant, informed, and confident in your next steps.