Landlords: FAQs

Do I need an EPC for my domestic property?
If you’re selling or renting out a property in the UK, you’ll usually need to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This legal requirement helps potential buyers or tenants understand the energy efficiency of the home.

When is an EPC not required?
You do not need an EPC if your property falls into one of the following categories:

  • A place of worship
  • A temporary structure (used for less than two years)
  • A standalone building with a total floor area of under 50m2 and not used for living accommodation
  • A listed or officially protected building (but only where energy improvements would unacceptably alter its character or appearance)
  • Holiday accommodation rented out for less than 4 months a year
  • The property has been continuously occupied by the same tenant since before EPC regulations began (1 October 2008)

A landlord must provide a tenant with a copy of the EPC or face a fine of £200. A maximum fine of up to £5,000 can be issued for renting out a property without a valid EPC and non-compliance.

Responsibilities for Landlords
If you’re a landlord, you are legally required to provide your tenant with a valid EPC at the start of their tenancy. Failure to do so may result in:

  • A fixed penalty fine of £200

  • Fines of up to £5,000 for more serious breaches or continued non-compliance

What is the minimum EPC rating, how do I know if I already have an EPC and what does it score?
The current minimum EPC rating for rented properties to meet, is a Band E. However, landlords must ensure that their rental properties have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030. This is in preparation for new legislation where the current mandatory EPC E will become a mandatory EPC C, as part of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan. In order to reach an EPC rating C, a property must have between 69-80 points. We can help you futureproof your property, for more information on solutions and grants available, see our Futureproof your home section.

You can search via your postcode on the government’s EPC Register.

Are there any exemptions from having to reach an E on my EPC?
Yes, there are various exemptions. For example, if the cost of improvements will go over £3,500 incl. VAT; or the improvement would devalue the property; or a tenant does not give permission to have works carried out. A landlord would need to register these exemptions on the PRS Exemptions Register. If obtaining an exemption, it is crucial to have documentation to support the claim. An exemption lasts 5 years, then you must reapply, if necessary.

What is the HHSRS (Housing Health & Safety Rating System)?
This also applies to rented properties. It was introduced under the Housing Act 2004 and ensures a property is free from unacceptable hazards, e.g. adequately heated, without damp and mould, safe electrics, and conforms to fire safety standards. There are no exemptions from complying with this. Compliance is enforced by the local Council and non-compliance can lead to fines of up to £30,000 and criminal prosecution.

Does the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme apply to landlords?
Yes, the HUG scheme (now closed) was available to landlords and tenants. The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) Scheme is a grant-funded energy efficiency scheme from the Government. Delivered by Cornwall Council, the scheme aims to fund energy efficiency measures on a ‘fabric-first’ (insulation) basis for homes in Cornwall that do not use mains (natural) gas as their primary heat source; and aims to improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of homes with a range of energy-saving measures.

This scheme is now closed to new applications, details of any future schemes will be added when this information becomes available from Central Government.

Alternative grants and schemes include ECO and Boiler Upgrade Scheme for similar measures.

Can I improve the energy efficiency of my listed building?
Yes. There are plenty of improvements that can be made which would be approved by a conservation officer e.g. loft insulation and heating upgrades. Our guidance on historic buildings gives you some ideas and examples  – see MEES information below.

For more in depth advice, contact our Landlord Liaison Officer on landlords@cep.org.uk or 0800 954 1956.

What are Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)?

MEES were introduced in 2015, but from April 2020, they are applicable to all domestic tenancies where a property legally requires an EPC and is let on a qualifying tenancy. It sets a minimum standard of an E on the EPC which means that properties that score an F or G on the EPC will no longer be legally lettable. More information can be found on guidance leaflets from Cornwall Council: MEES Guidance leaflet and MEES Guidance leaflet for landlords with historic buildings.

Click here for MEES guidance leafletClick here for guidance for landlords with historic buildings