Do Tenants Have the Right to See the EPC in Scotland?

Tenants and renters in Scotland often want to know a property's energy performance before or during a tenancy. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows predicted energy costs and an A–G rating that affects bills and comfort. This article explains — in plain language — what an EPC is, the landlord's duties under Scottish tenancy law, and practical steps you can take to request or find an EPC if it is not provided. If a landlord refuses, there are official routes for tenants to raise the issue with the housing tribunal or enforcement bodies. Clear steps, official forms and links are included so you can act with confidence in Scotland.

What is an EPC and why it matters

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a standard report that summarises a building's energy efficiency, expected energy costs and practical improvement recommendations. Tenants use EPCs to compare likely heating and energy costs, understand insulation and heating quality, and to spot potential safety or comfort problems. Many landlords share an EPC when advertising a property; if you do not receive one, you can ask for it directly from your landlord or agent and search public registers online (find an energy certificate)^[2].

What an EPC shows

• A rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) that summarises overall energy performance.
• Estimated annual energy costs and typical fuel use, so tenants can compare likely bills.
• Recommended improvements such as insulation or boiler upgrades and an indication of potential savings.

Do tenants in Scotland have the right to see the EPC?

There is no bespoke tenant-only form that grants automatic access, but Scottish tenancy law requires landlords to meet certain duties under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016^[1]. In practice, landlords must provide accurate information about the property when letting it; providing or making available an EPC when advertising or at the start of a tenancy is best practice and often expected. If a landlord refuses to provide an EPC or you suspect the property lacks one, you can request it in writing and, if needed, pursue official routes to resolve the issue with the housing tribunal or enforcement bodies.

How to request an EPC from your landlord

• Contact the landlord or letting agent first and ask for a copy by email or letter so you have a record.
• Explain why you need the EPC (compare costs, check improvements) and ask for a response within a reasonable deadline, for example 14 days.
• If no reply, search the public EPC register or the GOV.UK certificate search to see if one exists online (find an energy certificate)^[2].
• If the landlord still refuses, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for help or other remedies; see the tribunal application guidance and forms on the tribunal website^[3].

Key practical steps if you cannot get the EPC

• Make a written request and keep a dated copy as evidence.
• Search the official EPC register or GOV.UK to check if a certificate already exists.
• If necessary, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) using the official application forms.

FAQ

Can my landlord legally refuse to show the EPC?

No. Landlords are expected to provide accurate property information; while there is no separate statutory 'show EPC' licence for tenants, refusing to provide an available EPC may be evidence of poor compliance and you can seek help from enforcement bodies or the tribunal.

Do I need a special form to request an EPC?

No specific official form is required to ask your landlord for an EPC; a clear written request by email or letter is usually sufficient. If you need to escalate, the tribunal has application forms available for formal complaints and remedies.

Who handles disputes about tenancy obligations in Scotland?

The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) deals with many residential tenancy disputes, including enforcement of landlord duties and some housing standards matters.

How-To

1. Write to your landlord or letting agent requesting a copy of the EPC and set a reasonable deadline (for example, 14 days).
2. If there is no reply, send a follow-up email or recorded letter repeating your request and keeping evidence of delivery.
3. Check the official GOV.UK EPC search to see if a certificate already exists for the property.
4. If the landlord still refuses, download and complete the appropriate application form from the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) website and submit it with your evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Find an energy certificate on GOV.UK
• Scottish Government tenant support and guidance

1. [1] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 on legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] Find an energy certificate on GOV.UK
3. [3] First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)