If you’re a landlord renting out property in the United Kingdom, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities when it comes to energy compliance. One of the most common questions landlords ask is whether they need to obtain a new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) each time a new tenant moves in. The answer is simple — not necessarily. But there are some important details you need to know to stay compliant and avoid fines.
An Energy Performance Certificate, often referred to as an EPC, measures how energy-efficient a property is. It rates a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and includes useful recommendations on how to improve the rating. The EPC provides valuable insight for tenants and buyers, showing how much energy the property is likely to use and what it will cost to heat and power the home. It’s a vital tool for promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions across the housing market.
In the UK, it is a legal requirement to have a valid EPC before a property is marketed for sale or rent. The certificate must be issued by a qualified and accredited energy assessor, and it remains valid for 10 years from the date of issue. That means if your EPC is still within its 10-year validity period, you do not need to order a new one every time you change tenants. You can continue to use the existing certificate until it expires.
However, there are some situations where renewing your EPC early is a good idea. If you’ve made major improvements to your property — such as upgrading the heating system, installing double glazing, adding insulation, or fitting solar panels — your previous EPC will no longer reflect the true energy performance of the building. In that case, updating your EPC helps showcase the improvements you’ve made and may even increase your property’s appeal to potential tenants by demonstrating better efficiency and lower energy costs.
Since April 2020, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in England and Wales require rental properties to achieve an EPC rating of at least E before they can be legally let. This regulation was introduced to improve housing quality, reduce energy consumption, and protect tenants from high energy bills. If your property has an EPC rating of F or G, you cannot rent it out until you make energy efficiency upgrades. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties of up to £5,000 per property.
For landlords managing multiple properties, keeping track of EPC expiry dates is crucial. It’s best practice to maintain a record of your certificates and their issue dates. Before re-listing a property for new tenants, check whether your EPC is still valid. If it’s close to the 10-year mark or the building has undergone significant changes, arranging a fresh assessment will keep you compliant and demonstrate professionalism to prospective tenants.
There’s also a practical benefit to maintaining an up-to-date EPC. A higher energy rating not only meets legal requirements but also adds value to your property portfolio. Tenants are increasingly aware of energy costs, and many prefer renting homes with better insulation, modern heating systems, and efficient appliances. A new EPC showing a stronger energy rating can make your listing stand out and attract quality tenants faster.
In summary, landlords do not need to obtain a new EPC every time a tenant changes — but the certificate must always be valid and reflect the property’s current condition. Remember, an EPC lasts for 10 years, and you only need a new one when it expires or when you’ve made upgrades that could change the property’s efficiency rating. Staying proactive with your energy compliance not only keeps you within the law but also helps enhance your property’s reputation, value, and sustainability.
If you’re unsure about your current EPC status or need help renewing an expired certificate, our team at Avocet Domestic Energy Assessors is here to help. We provide fast, affordable, and fully accredited EPC assessments across the West Midlands and throughout the UK.
Book your EPC assessment today and make sure your property stays compliant, efficient, and ready for the next tenant.