EPCs must feature in property listings

Under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, a valid EPC rating must be shown in any property listing produced by the seller, landlord, or agent, unless the building has a valid exemption. This includes listings on property portals, window displays, and any printed material. Failure to comply with the law could result in a fine of £200 per advertisement.

EPC on a tablet

Agent responsibilities

When an agent receives an instruction for a property they should check for a current EPC before creating the listing and include it with the property information.

There is an online EPC register for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and a separate register for Scotland that anyone can use to check the status.

It remains the responsibility of the seller or landlord to make sure that a valid EPC has been given free of charge to the person who ultimately becomes the buyer or tenant.

Properties that need a new EPC

If a property’s EPC has expired or doesn’t have one at all it is best practice to get a new certificate issued before putting the property on the market. As a minimum, agents acting on the seller or landlord’s behalf must be satisfied that an EPC has been commissioned for the building before it is listed for sale or rent.

To obtain a new EPC, the property owner must arrange for an accredited assessor to visit and complete the assessment. GOV.UK has a tool to help find an appropriate assessor.

The property owner or agent must use all reasonable efforts to obtain an EPC within 7 days and update the property listing with the correct rating.

Properties exempt from EPC rules

Advice from the UK Government states that an EPC may not be required for listed buildings or those within a conservation area, furnished holiday lets, and temporary buildings. However, it’s recommended that property owners seek specialist advice to confirm the requirements for any specific property.

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Enforcement by Trading Standards

A fine of up to £200 per advertisement can be levied on an estate or letting agent by Trading Standards if a valid EPC rating is not included.

Sellers or landlords can also be fined £500 for not providing the tenant or buyer with a copy of the EPC, and up to £5,000 if a property is sold or let without a valid EPC in place.