How to get an energy performance certificate

Let’s get you in the know of how to acquire an energy performance certificate. In addition, it’s good to know exactly where your rating should be sitting. 

There’s been a few changes this year to the rating system so let’s take a look at how your rental property will be impacted and how to get going. 

How do I get an EPC?

Let’s take a look at these important points of how to actually get hold of your properties energy performance certificate. 

Domestic Energy Assessors 

The Energy Performance Certificate is produced by Domestic Energy Assessors. You might be thinking ‘who’s that?’ A domestic energy assessor is a personnel qualified to assess the energy efficiency of residential properties like houses and flats. 

To get an EPC carried out you can contact and get a quote from an accredited and DBS checked Domestic Energy Assessor. Be sure to compare assessors to find a cost efficient deal for you.

Impacts on your revenue stream

If you’re a multiple property owner, you can certainly find better deals that align in your favour from an expenditure point of view. 

It’s a legal requirement for you to provide the results of an EPC when buying and selling. As a landlord, you should be able to show the results to your tenants if they would like to review them. 

You’ll want to study the EPC of a property you’re considering for your property portfolio and how this will impact your revenue stream from an energy bills stand point. 

What will the EPC tell me?

Energy Performance Certificates rate a home’s energy efficiency and environmental impact using a scale from A-G, with ‘A’ rated homes being the most efficient. You need to be hitting a grade of E at present but with the new Rental Reform 2022 recently being released, that grading has been increased to a minimum of C.

There are many solutions to help you improve your EP rating. See our advice page here to discover government-supported schemes and ways in which you can improve your rating. 

The EPC will also provide suggestions on how to improve the rating which, in turn, will reduce the effects on the environment by cutting carbon emissions and save homeowners money on their fuel bills.

The certificate will contain details of the property, such as its location, age, size and condition, and these factors will be considered to provide energy-saving recommendations that are tailored to the property. 

The previous standard average UK property falls into the D or E band.

Get in the know

You can check out more information regarding the criteria of the EPC here on the Government website on EPCs.

How long does it take to get an EPC?

The EPC shouldn’t take longer than 45 minutes and will usually range from £45 upwards depending on the property size and if it is for commercial use or not. 

Do I need to get an EPC?

You’ll need an EPC if you’re a property owner and the property is being sold, rented or built in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

The EPC must be commissioned before the property is put on the market and it must be available to be shown to prospective buyers or tenants if requested. 

Bear in mind that those given 10 years ago will now need to be updated.

If you cannot produce an EPC at the time required, you could receive a fine. The fine can be issued by your local authority building control and can range between £500-£5000. 

Check out our advice page for more details on how you can improve your EPC rating along with other essential certificates. With CIA Landlords, you can compare landlord building insurance quotes to find the best deal for your needs. Talk to our experts today on 01788818670 or get a quote now.