EPC FAQs for Landlords
Q: What happens if my rental property is below Band E?
A: Properties with an EPC rating of F or G cannot legally be let until improvements are made. Local authorities can issue fines of up to £5,000 per property for non-compliance.
Q: How long does an EPC last?
A: An EPC is valid for 10 years, but you should renew sooner if you carry out significant energy improvements, as a better rating can boost lettability and value.
Q: Will EPC rules get stricter in future?
A: The government has consulted on raising minimum standards to Band C for rentals, though timelines have shifted. The direction of travel is clear: higher ratings will be expected, so planning improvements early is the best strategy.
Q: Can you advise on improvements?
A: Yes. As accredited assessors, we can identify the most effective upgrades—whether it’s insulation, glazing, heating systems, or renewable technology—and explain how these changes will impact your rating under RdSAP 10.
Le Gallez & Co provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) – a legal requirement for any property being built, sold or rented.
Residential EPCs
Since 2018, all rented homes in England and Wales have been required to meet a minimum EPC rating of E under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Properties that fall below this standard cannot legally be let until improvements are made. Our team can advise on the most effective amendments to bring your property up to the required level, helping landlords remain compliant and avoid penalties.
An EPC is valid for 10 years. It gives a clear picture of your property’s energy use and costs, alongside practical recommendations to improve efficiency. After a site visit – during which we record details such as heating systems, insulation, glazing, and building fabric – you’ll receive a certificate with an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Each certificate also includes an environmental impact score and tailored advice for upgrades.
We have been carrying out EPCs since their launch in August 2007, and today we deliver assessments under the new RdSAP 10 methodology – ensuring your results are as accurate and future-proof as possible.
Non-Domestic EPCs
In addition to residential assessments, we also provide non-domestic EPCs for commercial properties of all sizes – from small retail units to large office buildings. These reports also rate energy efficiency from A to G and include guidance on improving building performance and reducing operating costs.
Retrofit Assessments
RdSAP 10 Has Arrived
RdSAP 10 Has Arrived – What It Means for Your EPC
Effective 15 June 2025, the UK has fully transitioned to RdSAP 10, the latest version of the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure. It is the most comprehensive update since EPCs began.
How EPC assessments have changed:
-
Windows: Each window must now be measured and assessed individually, frame material, glazing type, gap thickness, orientation, draught‑proofing, presence of shutters, etc.
-
Walls & Insulation: You can assign multiple wall types per property part and record insulation in finer detail - 25 mm increments, or exact values when needed.
-
Roofs & Loft Spaces: 'Room in Roof' classifications are now split into two types for greater accuracy.
-
Ventilation & Airtightness: Assessors now capture a fuller range of ventilation features and can optionally include air‑pressure test results.
-
Hot Water & Lighting: More precise entry fields for hot water cylinder size and heat‑loss data, plus details about lightbulb types (LED/CFL/incandescent).
-
Modern Technologies: EPCs now factor in smart heating systems, solar PV, battery storage, PV diverters, and heat pumps—making the assessment more reflective of how homes are actually used.
Why this matters to you:
-
EPCs are now evidence-focused, they rely on detailed on-site data, not assumptions.
-
Homes with documented improvements, like double glazing, insulation, or renewable systems, can be more accurately rewarded in their rating.
-
Properties without proper documentation may be rated lower than expected if assessors must fall back on defaults.
In short: EPCs have become more accurate and useful, but they also require more preparation and documentation from homeowners and assessors alike.