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What is an EPC for Landlords & Home Sellers in Central London

Name: What is an EPC for Landlords & Home Sellers in Central London
Brand: Plaza Estates
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By Fraser Gregory | Created on 20th April 2026

As a landlord, one of your legal responsibilities is to meet the energy efficiency requirements for your rental property. As well as reducing your carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency can also save tenants money on energy bills.

When prospective tenants are looking for a property to live in, energy efficiency is an important consideration. Older properties tend to be less energy efficient, so the Victorian and Edwardian properties that account for a large proportion of the housing stock in Kensington and Chelsea, will usually have lower energy efficiency than modern properties.

Landlords are required by law to provide information about the property’s energy efficiency, and this is in the form of an energy performance certificate (EPC). The government is introducing changes to EPC requirements for the private rented sector, and this guide can help landlords to get prepared.

But what exactly is an EPC? We answer the questions we are most often asked about this part of selling and renting out homes.

What is an energy performance certificate (EPC)?

EPCs measure how energy efficient your home is, and are an essential part of marketing your property for sale or rent. Each EPC is valid for 10 years. However, you can have your property reassessed at any time.

An EPC home report includes:

Typical energy use and energy bill costs for the property.
Recommendations for improving the property’s energy efficiency to reduce energy costs.
Potential energy ratings if improvements are completed.

When a property is assessed for energy efficiency, it is rated, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient. A good energy efficiency rating can help market your property for sale or rent. The grades and score ranges for Energy Performance Certificates are shown in the table below.

EPC Rating and Score Ranges Table

EPC Grade	Score Range	Meaning
A	92 – 100	Most energy efficient (lowest bills)
B	81 – 91	Very efficient
C	69 – 80	Good efficiency (current rental target)
D	55 – 68	Average
E	39 – 54	Below average
F	21 – 38	Poor
G	1 – 20	Very poor (highest energy costs)

Who needs to get an EPC?

If you’re selling or renting out your home, you must provide prospective buyers or tenants with an EPC. You should give a copy to your estate agent, who will publish this on the property portal they are advertising your property on. If you are looking to sell or rent your London property, you cannot put it on the market until you have a valid EPC so that potential buyers can view the energy costs.

Want to know more? Take a look at how to improve your EPC rating and carbon monoxide and smoke alarm regulations.

Do I need an EPC when buying or renting a property?

No, it is the responsibility of the seller or landlord to organise and pay for Energy Performance Certificates – you should never be asked for money for an assessment to be carried out if you are a buyer or tenant.

What are the current & future EPC standards?

The minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) legislation stipulates that all domestic rental properties in the private sector have a minimum energy efficiency rating of E. This previously applied to new tenancies, but since 1 April 2023, this has applied to existing tenancies too.

The government has announced that there will be further changes to legislation in the upcoming years, with the minimum EPC rating to be upgraded to C, which is set to come into effect from 1 October 2030. This will apply to both existing and new tenancies.

There will also be an overhaul of the EPC rating system, with new metrics that replace the single cost metric with four new categories, which are energy cost, fabric performance, heating system and smart readiness. This new EPC system was expected to be introduced in late 2026 but it has been pushed back to the second half of 2027.

Are there EPC exemptions?

Some exemptions do not require an energy performance certificate (EPC), such as listed buildings and any other officially protected buildings where implementing energy performance improvements would unacceptably alter the structure. Other EPC exemptions include temporary buildings that will be used for 2 years or less.

There are lots of historical, listed properties in the London area which are protected and would, therefore, not usually require an EPC. Many heritage buildings in areas like Mayfair and Marylebone have been converted for domestic use, with stunning architectural styles that must be preserved.

However, listed buildings are not automatically exempt, they are only exempt if meeting the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) would negatively impact the building’s protected status.

The current EPC exemptions include:

Temporary buildings that will be used for no more than two years.
Listed buildings, if the energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter them.
Buildings used as places of worship or other religious activities.
A building that is due to be demolished and planning consent has been given.
Properties that are due to be sold.

The government is supporting home energy improvement costs to reduce energy costs and reduce carbon emissions through schemes such as The Warm Homes Scheme and the Boiler Upgr a de Scheme. Local authority websites have further information on available schemes and eligibility criteria.

What does an EPC include?

These are the main sections that your EPC will include:

Your A to G energy rating

The key piece of information is the energy efficiency rating which will be A-G. A is the highest efficiency rating, while G is the lowest.

Efficiency breakdown of whole property

The EPC breaks down the energy performance for each element of the building e.g. windows, walls, roof, hot water etc.

Actions to take

A list of recommended measures will also be included in the EPC, detailing how the property owner can improve the property’s energy efficiency through actions such as upgrading the boiler, installing wall insulation, and switching lighting to LED. The EPC shows the potential energy rating if the recommended measures were to be implemented.

Energy use estimates & potential savings

The EPC information that prospective tenants and buyers will be most interested in will be the energy usage estimates, so they can get an idea of their energy bills. This section also includes the potential savings that can be made for implementing the listed recommendations.

How do I get an EPC survey for my London property?

Who can carry out an EPC survey?

EPCs are issued by an accredited domestic energy assessor (DEA). Your estate agent or letting agent may suggest an assessor who can complete the inspection for you, or you can check the EPC register for accredited assessors in your area.

What is involved in an EPC assessment?

Domestic energy assessors will require access to all rooms in the property, including the loft. The inspection will not involve any invasive work, such as drilling into walls. During the inspection the assessor will inspect or measure the property’s:

Exterior walls
Roof insulation
Floor
Windows
Open fireplaces
Boiler
Lighting
Heating system
Heating controls
Hot water cylinder insulation
Ventilation system
Conservatory and extension.

How long does an EPC assessment take?

The EPC inspection takes less than an hour and includes an internal and external assessment. The time it takes to assess the property will usually depend on the size of the property, so it can vary between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

Want to find out more? Explore the benefits of using a property management company and find out what expenses you can claim as a landlord.

Do new build properties need EPC certificates?

EPCs for new build properties are issued by an On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA). The assessment is based on the building plans and elevation drawings and does not require an on-site evaluation.

How do I get a copy of the EPC report?

Your assessor will give you a copy of their report once completed. If you are looking to buy a new property, it is possible to view the EPC for similar properties by visiting the online EPC register for England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can then compare the energy performance for this property against similar properties in the area.

What happens if my EPC certificate expires?

Your EPC certificate is valid for 10 years. After the expiry date, you must arrange another EPC assessment to obtain a new, valid EPC for the next 10 years.

What if I have a question about my EPC?

If you don’t understand the information on your EPC or think something is wrong, contact your energy assessor. You can also contact your assessor’s accreditation scheme – details will be listed on the certificate.

How much does an EPC cost?

The cost will depend upon the size of the property, and the work involved to complete the assessment, but prices start at around £35. Local assessors in Bermondsey and surrounding areas charge from £35 for a studio flat to £120 for larger properties.

How much do energy efficiency upgrades cost?

The typical costs of the most common types of energy efficiency upgrades are:

Cavity wall insulation: £600 to £2,800.
Loft insulation: £600 to £1,600.
Double/triple glazing upgrade: £5,000 to £16,000.
Air source heat pump installation: £7,000 to £16,000+.

These are estimated ranges and the cost will vary depending on the property size, location and property materials/layout.

FAQs on property EPCs

How can I improve my property’s EPC rating in a period property?

Many central London properties are Victorian or Georgian conversions where options like external wall insulation aren’t feasible. Practical improvements for period homes include upgrading to a condensing boiler, installing smart heating controls, draught-proofing sash windows, adding secondary glazing, improving loft and underfloor insulation, and switching all lighting to LED. These measures can often lift a property from a D or E rating into the C band without altering the building’s character.

Can a landlord pass the cost of an EPC or energy upgrades on to tenants?

No. The cost of obtaining an EPC and carrying out any energy efficiency improvements needed to meet minimum standards is the landlord’s responsibility. A landlord cannot require a tenant to pay for an EPC assessment or contribute towards upgrade works that are needed for legal compliance.

What happens if a landlord rents out a property without a valid EPC?

Landlords who market or let a property without a valid EPC can be fined by the local trading standards authority. The penalty is currently up to £5,000 per property per offence. From 2030, when the minimum rating rises to C, landlords who let properties that fall below this standard without a registered exemption will also face financial penalties.

How does an EPC rating affect property value or rental income in London?

Properties with higher EPC ratings tend to attract tenants more quickly and can command higher rents, as energy-efficient homes mean lower utility bills. For sales, buyers increasingly factor in the cost of future energy upgrades when making offers, so a poor rating can reduce the price a buyer is willing to pay. As regulations tighten towards the 2030 C-rating requirement, this effect is expected to become more pronounced.

What is the EPC cost cap and spending cap exemption for landlords?

Under the current MEES regulations, landlords are not expected to spend more than £3,500 (including VAT) on energy efficiency improvements per property. If a landlord can demonstrate that all cost-effective improvements up to this cap have been made and the property still falls below the minimum rating, they can register a cost cap exemption. This exemption lasts five years and must then be reassessed. The government has indicated that this cap will change when the C-rating requirement takes effect in 2030, so landlords should keep an eye on updated guidance.

Do short-term or holiday lets in London need an EPC?

Properties let on short-term tenancies of 31 days or more are generally required to have a valid EPC. However, many holiday lets and serviced apartments let on a nightly or weekly basis for fewer than 31 days at a time are not currently required to have one. The rules can be nuanced, particularly where a property alternates between short-term and longer lets, so landlords operating in this space should check the latest guidance or take professional advice.

What is the difference between an EPC and a DEC?

An EPC is used for domestic properties and is based on the building’s design and fabric. A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) applies to certain public buildings over 250 square metres and is based on actual measured energy consumption. Residential landlords and home sellers will only need to deal with EPCs, not DECs.

How does the Renters’ Rights Act affect EPC requirements for landlords?

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces wider reforms to the private rented sector, including the removal of Section 21 no-fault evictions and new property standards obligations. While the Act itself does not directly change EPC thresholds, it reinforces the broader direction of stricter compliance and higher standards for rental properties. Landlords should consider EPC improvements as part of their overall preparation for the new regulatory landscape.

Find out more

Find out more about EPC rules on the government website gov.uk. If you’re thinking of selling or renting out property and would like advice about energy performance certificates, or any other aspect of marketing your home in areas like Hampstead, Victoria, Little Venice, Kensington, Battersea, Bayswater, Mayfair and Holland Park, contact us today.

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Fraser Gregory

I started my career in 2008 at one of the largest agencies in the UK before taking the leap into the independent agency sector. I joined Plaza in 2012 and I’ve never looked back. Being part of a boutique family owned agency has been such a rewarding experience allowing me to be involved in every aspect of the lettings process. I have developed my skill and knowledge over the years by successfully passing the NFOPP Technical Award in Residential Lettings and Property Management. A nationally recognised qualification of Propertymark; The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) I’m proud to be part of a company that has been involved in the community for nearly 50 years.

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