A Tenant's Guide: Checking Your Landlord's EPC Obligations

As a tenant, you have the right to know how energy efficient your rented home is. Your landlord is legally required to provide an EPC — here is what you should know and what to do if they have not.

Your Right to See the EPC

Your landlord or letting agent must provide you with a copy of the property's EPC before you move in. The EPC should have been included in the property listing when it was advertised. If you were not given an EPC, you have the right to request one.

How to Check Your Property's EPC

You can check any property's EPC for free on the government's official EPC Register at epcregister.com. Simply enter the postcode and address of the property to view the certificate, including the current rating, potential rating, and all recommended improvements.

Why the Rating Matters to You

A low EPC rating (E, F or G) means your home is likely to be expensive to heat and may have issues like draughts, damp, or cold spots. Higher energy bills directly affect your household budget, so the EPC rating is something worth checking before you sign a tenancy agreement.

Properties rated F or G should not be let at all unless the landlord holds a valid exemption. If you are living in a property that you suspect is below the minimum E rating, you can take action.

What to Do If Your Landlord Is Not Compliant

If your rented property has an F or G rating and your landlord has not made improvements or registered an exemption, you can contact your local authority's trading standards team. They have the power to investigate and issue penalties against non-compliant landlords.

You can also raise the issue directly with your landlord or letting agent. Many landlords are simply unaware of the regulations, and a polite conversation can often resolve the matter.

Energy-Saving Tips While You Wait

While you cannot make structural changes to a rented property, there are steps you can take to reduce your bills: use draught excluders around doors and windows, close curtains at night to retain heat, bleed radiators regularly to ensure they work efficiently, and consider using a smart thermostat if your landlord permits it.