Renters in England need clear information about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and how minimum energy efficiency rules affect rented homes. This guide explains what an EPC is, what landlords must do under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES), and what steps tenants can take if a property does not meet required standards. It uses plain language to explain landlord duties, relevant legislation, how to check an EPC, and how to raise concerns with local authorities or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Practical examples and official forms are included so tenants know when to request documents, how to report problems, and what evidence to keep when seeking enforcement in England.
What an EPC is and why it matters
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives a property an A–G energy rating and practical recommendations to improve efficiency. Landlords must provide a valid EPC to prospective tenants when marketing a property and supply a copy at the tenancy start. You can search for an EPC on the official register to check the certificate and its date (EPC register)[3]. If a certificate is missing or clearly out of date, keep a record and raise the issue with the landlord or the local authority.
Key landlord duties under MEES and related laws
In England landlords must follow the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 and related guidance, commonly called MEES. These rules stop landlords from letting properties that do not meet the minimum EPC rating (normally an E for domestic lettings) unless a valid exemption applies or the landlord has carried out required improvements.[2]
- Document: give tenants a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) at or before marketing and on request.
- Notice: disclose the EPC rating in adverts and tenancy information where required.
- Repair and upgrade: carry out reasonable energy-efficiency improvements where required to meet MEES unless an exemption applies.
- Safety/compliance: register any valid MEES exemptions and keep written evidence for enforcement checks.
If a landlord says an exemption applies, ask them to show the exemption record and the supporting evidence (estimates, invoices, assessor reports). Keep copies of all communications and receipts: documentation is key if you later report the issue.
Official forms and documents tenants should know
Some official documents and processes are central to energy-efficiency duties. Below are the most relevant items, when they are used, and a practical tenant-focused example.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — no form number: a certified assessor issues this document when the property is surveyed. Example: when viewing a flat, ask the landlord for the EPC; check the certificate on the official register and note the rating and inspection date. See the official EPC register here[3].
- MEES exemption registration — process via GOV.UK guidance: landlords register exemptions where the cost or practicality of improvements makes compliance impossible. Example: if a landlord claims a valid exemption, ask them to show the registered exemption ID and the paperwork that supports it; if you cannot see evidence, report to your local authority. Official guidance is available on GOV.UK[1].
What tenants can do if a property seems non-compliant
Start by asking the landlord in writing for the EPC and any exemption paperwork. If the landlord fails to provide documents or you suspect a breach of MEES, file a complaint with the local authority that enforces MEES. If the matter affects health, safety or habitability, you may also raise the issue under housing standards or seek a remedy through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Keep dated copies of requests, responses, photos, and any professional reports as evidence.[4]
FAQ
- Do landlords need an EPC to rent out a property in England?
- Yes. Landlords must provide a valid EPC to prospective tenants when marketing a property and a copy when the tenancy starts; the EPC should be available on the official register.[3]
- What happens if a property has an EPC rating below E?
- If a domestic property is below the minimum required rating (commonly an E), landlords may not legally let it unless they have registered a valid exemption or have carried out required improvements; you can report suspected breaches to the local authority that enforces MEES.[1]
- Can a tenant request energy-efficiency improvements?
- Tenants can ask their landlord to make improvements, provide evidence of refusal in writing, and report persistent non-compliance to the local authority or seek a remedy through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if necessary.[4]
How-To
- Evidence: check the property’s EPC on the official register and save a screenshot or PDF.
- Request: ask the landlord in writing for the EPC and any MEES exemption paperwork and keep your message records.
- Report: contact your local authority’s private-rented-sector enforcement team if documents are missing or you suspect a breach.
- Escalate: if necessary, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a legal remedy, using the guidance on GOV.UK.
Help and Support / Resources
- Find an Energy Performance Certificate (GOV.UK)
- MEES guidance for landlords (GOV.UK)
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) information (GOV.UK)
