Article Summary
- EPCs remain valid for 10 years from the date of issue across all UK properties
- You must have a current EPC before you sell or rent any property in the UK
- Landlords face fines from £500 to £5,000 for rental properties without valid EPCs
- The same EPC can be reused multiple times during its 10-year period
- You can check your property’s EPC status for free on the government register
- Properties with major energy improvements may benefit from an early renewal
- EPC requirements differ between standard homes, HMOs, and commercial buildings
Have you just received notice that your rental property needs an EPC renewal? Or perhaps you want to list your London flat for sale and need to know the current requirements?
This guide answers how long is an epc valid for in the UK, when you need to renew, and how to stay compliant with current property regulations.
What Does The Energy Performance Certificate Show?
An Energy Performance Certificate shows how energy efficient your property is on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
Every property owner who plans to sell or rent needs to understand how long an EPC certificate lasts and when renewal becomes necessary.
How Long Does an EPC Last in the UK?
An Energy Performance Certificate stays valid for exactly 10 years from the date an accredited assessor issues it. This applies to all property types across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The 10-year validity period means you can use the same EPC multiple times without getting a new one. If you rent the property to five different tenants over seven years, that original EPC covers all those lettings.
| EPC Detail | UK Standard |
| Validity period | 10 years from issue date |
| Cost to obtain | £60-£120 for domestic properties |
| Time to complete assessment | 45-90 minutes for average home |
| Legal requirement | Yes, for all sales and rentals |
The UK government confirms that all EPCs remain valid for 10 years, provided no significant changes occur to the property’s energy systems.
So how long is an epc valid for? When the 10-year period expires, you must commission a new assessment before you can market the property for sale or rental again.
When Is an EPC Required for Your Property?
You need a valid EPC in specific situations related to property transactions and changes. The most common scenarios involve sales and lettings.
From our experience with landlords across London, many property owners only think about EPCs when they receive a letting inquiry or decide to sell. This often creates delays that cost both time and money.
| Situation | EPC Required? | When to Obtain |
| Sale of property | Yes | Before marketing starts |
| New rental tenancy | Yes | Before advertising property |
| Existing tenancy renewal | No | Can reuse current valid EPC |
| Property construction | Yes | Within 5 days of completion |
| Major building work | Recommended | After work finishes |
You do not need a new EPC every time a tenant changes. The same certificate covers multiple lettings during its valid period. However, the epc requirement becomes critical when your current certificate expires or when you complete major renovation work.
Listed buildings and places of worship have exemptions. Temporary buildings used for less than two years also fall outside the requirement.
To learn more about when an EPC is required, check out our full article: When is an EPC required?
EPC Validity Period for Rental Properties
Landlords must ensure rental properties meet minimum energy standards alongside having a valid EPC. Since April 2020, all rental properties in England and Wales need an EPC rating of E or higher.
In our work with overseas landlords who own London property, we often see confusion about how long is an epc valid for versus when the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) apply. These are separate requirements that both need attention.
| Landlord Requirement | Standard | Consequence of Non-Compliance |
| Minimum EPC rating | E or above | Cannot legally let property |
| Valid EPC for new tenancy | Current within 10 years | £500-£5,000 fine |
| EPC available to tenants | Must provide free copy | £500-£5,000 fine |
| EPC shown in marketing | Energy rating in all ads | £500-£1,000 fine |
Properties rated F or G cannot be let unless you register a valid exemption. The exemption register allows temporary relief in specific circumstances, such as when improvements would cost more than the property value increase they generate.
If you own a rental property portfolio, track EPC expiry dates for each property. This prevents last-minute rushes to book assessors when you need to re-let a property.
How to Check How Long Your EPC Certificate Lasts
Every EPC issued in the UK goes onto a central government register. You can search this register for free to check your property’s current EPC status and see exactly when it expires.
Visit the official EPC register and enter your property postcode. The search shows:
- Current EPC rating (A to G scale)
- Date the certificate was issued
- Date the certificate expires
- Recommendations for energy improvements
- Unique certificate reference number
The certificate reference number proves authenticity. Buyers and tenants can verify the EPC details match the official record.
From our experience helping property owners across Canary Wharf and East London, we recommend checking your EPC status at least six months before you plan to sell or rent. This gives you time to commission a new assessment if needed, or to make improvements before the assessment takes place.
What Happens When an EPC Expires?
An expired EPC creates immediate legal problems if you want to sell or rent your property. The certificate loses all validity the day it reaches 10 years old.
| Scenario | Legal Position | Action Required |
| Sell with expired EPC | Cannot legally complete sale | Commission new EPC before exchange |
| Advertise rental with expired EPC | Breach of regulations | Obtain current EPC first |
| Continue existing tenancy | No immediate issue | No action needed until renewal |
| Market property without EPC | Trading Standards violation | £500-£5,000 penalty |
You cannot simply continue to use an expired certificate. Estate agents and letting platforms will not advertise properties without current EPCs due to their own legal obligations.
The fines for non-compliance depend on property type. Domestic properties face penalties from £500 to £5,000. Commercial properties see fines calculated as a percentage of rateable value, up to £150,000 for serious breaches.
Beyond financial penalties, an EPC is a legal requirement that can directly impact how quickly you complete property transactions. Buyers and tenants expect to see valid certificates before making offers or signing tenancy agreements.
To learn more about EPC legal obligations, see our detailed guide: Is an EPC a legal requirement?
How the EPC Renewal Process Works
Renew your EPC by booking an accredited energy assessor to visit and assess the property. The process takes less than two hours for most residential properties.
The assessor examines:
- Wall construction and insulation levels
- Roof insulation thickness
- Window types and glazing
- Heating system type and age
- Hot water system and controls
- Lighting types throughout the property
After the assessment, the assessor submits data to their accreditation scheme. The EPC appears on the government register within 24 hours.
| Step | Timeline | Your Action |
| Find accredited assessor | 1-3 days | Search government register or contact local firms |
| Book assessment | 3-14 days | Depends on assessor availability |
| Assessment visit | 1-2 hours | Provide access to all areas |
| Receive certificate | 24-48 hours | Downloads from government register |
| Certificate becomes valid | Immediate | Can market property |
How long does an EPC last once you receive it? The full 10 years starts from the issue date shown on the certificate. You do not need to do anything else until that period ends.
Consider renewing before the 10-year period ends if you have made major energy efficiency improvements. A new assessment might show a better rating, which helps attract buyers or tenants and potentially increases property value.
Improve Your EPC Rating Before Renewal
The energy efficiency certificate duration gives you a 10-year window, but smart property owners use that time to make improvements that boost their rating.
From working with clients who manage London property portfolios, we know that even small changes can move a property from an E rating to a D. This matters because future regulations may require rental properties to achieve C ratings.
| Improvement Type | Typical Cost | Rating Impact | Payback Period |
| Loft insulation | £300-£500 | +5-10 points | 2-3 years |
| LED lighting throughout | £100-£200 | +2-5 points | 1-2 years |
| Modern condensing boiler | £2,000-£3,500 | +10-15 points | 5-8 years |
| Double glazing | £3,000-£6,000 | +5-10 points | 10-15 years |
Each EPC includes specific recommendations tailored to your property. These suggestions show potential cost savings and rating improvements you could achieve.
The Great British Insulation Scheme and Boiler Upgrade Scheme offer grants that reduce improvement costs. These government programs help property owners meet higher energy standards without bearing the full expense.
When you improve energy efficiency, commission a new EPC even if your current one remains valid. The new certificate reflects better performance and attracts quality tenants who value lower bills.
Navigate London’s Property Market With Expert Support
Ernest-Brooks International helps property owners across London manage all aspects of sales, lettings, and property compliance. Our team understands how EPC requirements affect your property plans and timelines.
We work with both UK-based and international property owners who need reliable guidance through London’s property regulations.
Whether you need to check how long your EPC certificate lasts for a Canary Wharf flat or want to prepare a rental property for compliance, our team provides the local knowledge and international reach that property investors value.
Contact Ernest-Brooks International for a free property consultation and discover how our award-winning service can help you manage your London property portfolio effectively.
Common Questions About EPC Validity
Can I reuse an EPC for different tenants?
Yes. The same EPC covers multiple tenancies during its 10-year validity. You do not need a new certificate each time a tenant changes, provided the original EPC remains within its valid period and you have not made major property changes.
How long is an epc valid for in the UK?
An EPC stays valid for 10 years from the date it was issued by an accredited assessor. This applies to all residential and commercial properties across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
What counts as a major change that needs a new EPC?
Changes to heating systems, insulation, windows, or building extensions affect energy performance. While not legally required to get a new EPC after improvements, it makes sense to update the certificate to reflect better efficiency ratings.
How much does an EPC cost in London?
Domestic EPCs in London typically cost £60-£120 depending on property size and location. Larger properties or those in premium areas may cost up to £150. Commercial property EPCs vary widely based on building complexity.
What if my property has no EPC on the register?
Properties built before 2008 might not have EPCs on the register if they have not been sold or rented since then. You must commission an assessment before marketing the property for sale or rental.
Can I sell a property with an expired EPC?
No, you must have a current EPC before you market the property for sale. Estate agents cannot legally advertise properties without valid certificates. Commission a new assessment before you instruct an agent or list the property.
Next Steps
Need to check your status or book an EPC? We will arrange it and line up anything else you need for a compliant launch.
Planning to sell or let soon? Pair the EPC with:
- Rental pricing and compliance checklist:Â https://www.ernest-brooks.com/renting-property-london-2025-guide/
- Sales valuation:Â https://www.ernest-brooks.com/how-much-is-my-house-worth/
- How to rent guide:Â https://www.ernest-brooks.com/renting-property-london-2025-guide/
