You have to arrange the EPC check before advertising your rental property.
Every 10 years, £40–£85.
So the tenants can see upfront if the heating will cost them a bomb, you are legally obliged to get an energy performance certificate (EPC). You have to arrange the EPC check before you advertise your rental property, and you must include the rating in the advert within seven days. You must also show the certificate at viewings, send it out to anyone who asks for the property’s details, and give your tenants a copy before they move in. If you don’t, you face a £200 fine and you lose your right to end the tenancy easily.
EPCs have to be done whenever a property is let, built or sold, so there might already be one for your house. Check this on the national EPC database (epcregister.com), from where you can download a free copy – saving you £40–£85 for a new one. Use the same register to find an EPC assessor near you.
An EPC is valid for 10 years if there are no big changes to the property. The property has to be re-rated if you do any major building works or fit double-glazing.
Under new rules that came into force in April, you can no longer grant a new tenancy on a home with the lowest two EPC ratings of F and G. See our detailed guide on what you need to know about the new energy efficiency laws.
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