EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
A certificate rating a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Rental properties in England must meet at least an E. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let under MEES. An EPC is valid for 10 years. Maximum fine: £5,000 per property.
At a glance
- Valid for
- 10 years
- Minimum (PRS)
- Band E
- Max fine
- £5,000 per property
- Register
- GOV.UK EPC Register
Full guide
Read the complete landlord guide on EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
Deadlines, fines and step-by-step compliance in our in-depth resource.
Open full guideWhy EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) matters for landlords
The EPC is the single document that decides whether a property is legally lettable at all — not just compliant, lettable. An F or G EPC without a valid MEES exemption removes the property from the market until upgraded, so its renewal date is often the most important long-range entry in a landlord’s compliance calendar. Secondary legislation signalling a C minimum is in late-stage consultation; an upgrade plan that targets 2028–2030 is not panic, it is budget-planning.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Energy Performance Certificates for landlords
- GOV.UK — Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard
LetCompliance editorial reviews this entry every quarter against the sources above. Always confirm specific duties with a qualified solicitor or your local council.
Related terms
EPC C Proposal
A government proposal to raise the minimum EPC rating for rental properties in England from E to C. As of 2026 this is still a proposal, not law, but draft secondary legislation targets new tenancies by 2028 and all tenancies by 2030. Landlords should plan upgrades but verify current requirements on GOV.UK.
Compliance Score
A 0-100 score LetCompliance assigns to each property based on how up-to-date its safety certificates and tenancy documents are. 100 means Gas Safety, EICR, EPC, deposit protection and Right to Rent are all current; the score drops as deadlines approach and is recalculated daily.
MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)
Regulations requiring rental properties in England and Wales to meet a minimum EPC rating of E. Landlords cannot grant a new tenancy or continue an existing one for an F or G property without a valid exemption. Maximum fine: £5,000 per property.
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
A formal inspection of the fixed electrical installation, wiring, consumer unit, sockets and light fittings, by a qualified electrician. Required every 5 years for all private rented properties in England under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Maximum civil penalty: £30,000 per property.
Eviction Ban
A government-imposed moratorium on enforcing possession orders, used during the COVID-19 pandemic. No eviction ban is in force as of 2026. Bailiffs can enforce possession orders once 14 days' notice has been given.
Accelerated Possession
A fast-track court procedure used under a Section 21 notice in England and Wales. Abolished for new claims from 1 May 2026 because Section 21 no longer exists. Possession is now pursued under Section 8 using a specified ground.