Energy

Give the tenant a valid EPC (cross-reference)

Make a valid Energy Performance Certificate available free to prospective tenants and make sure the person who becomes the tenant has been given it.

Status: In force
Penalty: See below
Topic: Energy

Who it applies to

A dwelling is rented out (cross-reference only; the property-standards rules cover EPC validity and minimum energy efficiency).

What you must do

Provide the EPC free of charge at the earliest opportunity and no later than when written information is first given or the property is viewed, and ensure the incoming tenant has been given a copy.

Deadline: Before the start of the tenancy

Evidence to keep

Copy of EPC
Proof the EPC was given to the tenant

If you do not comply

Other consequences: See property-standards rules for EPC enforcement.

The law

Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/3118), reg 6(2) and (5)legislation.gov.uk

Official guidance

Tenancy agreements: written information for your tenantgov.uk

Notes

Cross-reference only: the substantive duty is modelled in property.json (epc-provide-to-tenants); de-duplicate when evaluating. The EPC is also required for the PRS Database dwelling entry (see prs-database-registration).

4 rules

Commission an EPC before marketing a property to letIn force since 9 January 2013Fine up to £200
Before a property is advertised to let you must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate or have commissioned one, and state the energy rating in adverts.
Give the EPC to prospective tenants and the tenantIn force since 9 January 2013Fine up to £200
Show a valid EPC free of charge to anyone interested in renting at the earliest opportunity, and make sure the person who becomes the tenant has been given a copy.
Minimum energy efficiency standard: EPC band E or a registered exemptionIn force since 1 April 2018Fine up to £5,000
You must not let, or continue to let, a home rated F or G on its EPC unless you have registered a valid exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register.
Higher minimum energy efficiency standard: EPC C by 1 October 2030Not yet in force: confirmed from 1 October 2030Fine up to £30,000
The government has confirmed that all privately rented homes in scope must reach EPC C, measured on new EPC metrics, by 1 October 2030, with a £10,000 cost cap. The regulations to implement this have not yet been laid.