If you are a landlord, you might wonder if you need to renew an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if it expires while tenants are still living in the property. An EPC rates your property’s energy efficiency and is valid for 10 years. But do you need a new one if you’re not selling or re-renting?

Short Answer: No, you don’t need to renew an EPC during an ongoing tenancy unless you plan to rent or sell the property.

Why?

• EPCs are only required when renting to new tenants or selling a property.
• If your tenants are staying and there’s no change to the tenancy agreement, you’re not legally required to update the EPC.

Important Points to Keep in Mind:

• Legal Requirement: Since 2018, when the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) rules were introduced, the minimum EPC rating for a rental home has been set at an EPC “E” or above or have an official exemption in place when they moved in. If not, you could face penalties.
• Future Changes: If you decide to sell or rent the property to new tenants, you’ll need an updated EPC before advertising.
• Energy Efficiency Improvements: If you upgrade insulation, heating, or lighting, a new EPC could reflect better efficiency and attract future tenants.
• Tenancy Renewals: If you’re renewing the contract with existing tenants, it’s best to provide a valid EPC. Some agreements treat renewals as a “new tenancy,” so having an up-to-date EPC helps avoid legal issues.

Conclusion

If your EPC expires during an active tenancy, you don’t need to renew it unless you plan to rent or sell the property. However, always ensure your tenants received a valid EPC when they moved in. If circumstances change, such as a new tenancy or sale, you’ll need to update it.

Landlords please note: The information above is valid at March 2025.

• There may be significant changes coming with the “Renters Rights Bill ” currently going through Parliament and expected to pass into law in late 2025.

• Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, Ed Miliband MP has made a formal statement confirming private rented properties will need to achieve an EPC “C” rating by 2030.

• A government consultation on making further changes to the rules governing EPCs and the way they are calculated, closes 2 May 2025.