Updated November 2026 to reflect current legislation and Government guidance.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) was introduced by the Government in 2007 as a method of assessing the energy efficiency of residential and commercial properties in United Kingdom.
The EPC assessment is conducted by an approved Energy Assessor by conducting a non-intrusive visual inspection of the property, in particular the roofs, windows, lighting, fireplaces, boiler and insulation. The energy assessor will take down the necessary data whilst on site and then use a specialist software to produce calculations to be used in the EPC certificate. The property is given an EPC rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The EPC certificate is valid for 10 years and is needed when the property is sold or let out.
What are the current legal standards in the UK?
From 1 April 2018, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) required new lettings of privately rented homes and commercial property in England and Wales to have an EPC rating of at least E. Since 1 April 2020, this has applied to all domestic tenancies. MEES apply to lettings only, not to properties being sold.
As of 01 April 2023, all existing and new commercial tenancies will require an EPC rating of E or higher. If your property does not comply, we can prepare a Building Survey or Specification of Works, or Project Manage the improvement works. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
What are the proposed changes?
Rented homes: In January 2026, the Government confirmed that all privately rented homes in England and Wales will need to meet EPC C by 1 October 2030, unless an exemption applies. New legislation is still needed, with the updated regulations aimed to come into force in 2027. Full details are in Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes on GOV.UK.
Commercial property: The previously proposed EPC C requirement for 2027 will not go ahead. In June 2026, the Government proposed that privately rented commercial buildings over 1,000 square metres should reach EPC B from 2031, where cost-effective. Smaller buildings remain at the current minimum of EPC E. This also requires new legislation. See the Government’s interim response on GOV.UK.
Is there any help available?
Currently, landlords of rented homes do not have to spend more than £3,500 (including VAT) on improvements to meet the minimum standard. Under the 2030 changes, this cost cap will rise to £10,000 per property.
Implications of not having a valid EPC certificate
An EPC certificate is a legal requirement and the seller, landlord or the letting agent must show you an up-to-date EPC certificate if you’re planning to purchase or rent a property in the UK. There are a few limited exceptions where an EPC certificate is not required. These include places of worship, temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years and some listed buildings. The full list of exemptions can be found in the Buying or selling your home guide on GOV.UK. Failing to provide an EPC when selling or letting a home can lead to a £200 penalty. For commercial property, the penalty is based on the building’s rateable value.
Separately, landlords who let a home that breaches the minimum standard currently face a fine of up to £5,000 per property. Under the 2030 changes, the maximum fine will rise to £30,000 per property.
Whether K&A Surveyors are instructed to undertake a Building Survey or Homebuyers Report, we will inspect the property and provide advice in relation to the EPC certificate the property has. We also offer Project Management services where required by preparing either a Schedule of works or Specification of works depending on the complexity in order to improve the properties energy performance and EPC rating. If you require a Building Survey, Homebuyers Report, Schedule of works, Specification of works or Project Management services in this regard then please feel free to contact us.