Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) for London Properties

What an EPC assessment covers

A domestic energy assessor visits the property and records the information used to calculate its energy rating, including:

• Property type, age, dimensions and construction
• Wall, roof and floor insulation where it can be identified
• Heating system, controls and hot water
• Windows and glazing
• Lighting and any renewable technologies

The certificate is then lodged on the government’s EPC register.

Who needs an EPC?

• Landlords marketing a property to let
• Letting agents, who should make the rating available in adverts and to prospective tenants
• Owners selling a property

The legal requirements

An EPC must be available to prospective tenants, and the rating should be shown in property adverts. Under the minimum energy efficiency standard, most privately rented homes in England and Wales must have a rating of at least E before a tenancy is granted or continued, unless a valid exemption has been registered.

The government has consulted on raising the minimum standard in future. Check the latest GOV.UK guidance before planning improvement works.

Official guidance: GOV.UK – minimum energy efficiency standard · GOV.UK – energy performance certificates

What happens during the assessment

1. Arrange accessThe assessor needs access to every room, the loft (if safe) and the boiler or heating controls.
2. SurveyMeasurements, photographs and notes are taken of the features that affect energy performance.
3. Certificate lodgedThe EPC is produced and lodged on the national register.