- You must have an EPC when selling, renting out or building a home. Certificates are valid for 10 years.
- Bands run from A (92+) down to G (1–20).
- Since 1 April 2020, landlords in England and Wales can't let homes rated below E unless an exemption is registered.
- The government has said privately rented homes should reach C or better by 2030.
What the bands mean
| Band | Energy efficiency score |
|---|---|
| A | 92 plus (most efficient) |
| B | 81 to 91 |
| C | 69 to 80 |
| D | 55 to 68 |
| E | 39 to 54 |
| F | 21 to 38 |
| G | 1 to 20 (least efficient) |
According to the Office for National Statistics, the median home in England scored 68 (band D) and in Wales 66 (band D) in its 2023 analysis, with flats and maisonettes doing better than houses (ONS).
When you need one
GOV.UK says you must have an EPC when you're selling, renting out or building a property, and that certificates last 10 years. You can be fined if you don't have one when you need it. In Scotland the EPC must also be displayed somewhere in the property, such as the meter cupboard (GOV.UK: Energy Performance Certificates).
Look up any home's certificate on the EPC register (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or the Scottish EPC Register. The certificate also lists recommended improvements and the rating the home could reach.
Rules for rented homes
Under the minimum energy efficiency standard, landlords in England and Wales have not been able to let — or continue to let — homes rated below E since 1 April 2020, unless they have a valid exemption. Landlords must make improvements up to a spending cap of £3,500 (including VAT) before they can register a cost exemption (GOV.UK landlord guidance, updated May 2026).
Looking ahead, the government has said privately rented homes should reach EPC C or better by 2030 (GOV.UK). Check the latest guidance before relying on a date.
Using an EPC when house-hunting
- Compare the current and potential ratings: a big gap can mean cheap wins, or expensive work.
- Check the date: a certificate from years ago may not reflect newer windows, insulation or heating.
- Remember it's an estimate based on standard assumptions, not your actual bills.