Tenants and renters in Scotland need clear guidance on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) because EPCs affect safety, running costs and legal obligations when renting. As a tenant, you have the right to see the current EPC before signing a lease and to receive a copy once the property is let. This article explains when landlords must supply an EPC, what the certificate shows, how it can affect advertising and minimum standards, and practical steps you can take if the EPC is missing or out of date. It uses plain language with tenant-focused examples so you can gather the right documents, communicate with your landlord, and escalate the issue to the correct Scottish authority if needed.
EPCs and the law in Scotland
In Scotland, energy performance requirements for private tenancies sit alongside the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 [1]. Landlords must provide an Energy Performance Certificate where one is required for the property and must make it available to prospective tenants and give a copy to the tenant at or before the start of the tenancy.
- Provide a valid EPC at or before the start of the tenancy.
- Give a copy to the tenant and keep written records of when it was supplied.
- Ensure the EPC is carried out by a certified assessor and remains the official certificate for the property.
- Comply with any advertising rules that require accurate EPC information when marketing the property.
What to do if your landlord won't provide an EPC
If your landlord does not supply an EPC after you ask, follow clear steps: first request it in writing, keep a dated copy of your request, allow a reasonable timeframe, and then escalate if necessary. The tribunal that handles residential tenancy disputes in Scotland is the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) (Housing and Property Chamber)[2]. You can apply to the tribunal if the landlord fails to meet legal letting standards or to supply required documents.
- Serve a written request and keep proof such as email copies or recorded delivery receipts.
- Give the landlord a reasonable deadline (for example, 7–14 days) to respond.
- File an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) if the landlord still refuses to provide the EPC or to comply.
- Prepare evidence: copies of correspondence, confirmation of requests, and any adverts that reference EPC data.
Forms and a practical example
The Housing and Property Chamber publishes the application guidance and forms needed to raise a dispute or ask for enforcement of tenancy standards. For example, a tenant who requested an EPC, waited two weeks without a reply, and kept dated emails can complete the tribunal application form and include the request emails as evidence. Use the tribunal website to download the correct application form and follow the guidance on supporting documents [2].
FAQ
- Do landlords have to provide an EPC to tenants?
- Yes. Landlords must provide a valid EPC and give a copy to tenants at or before the start of most tenancies.
- What if the EPC is out of date or missing?
- Ask the landlord in writing, allow a reasonable time to respond, and if they do not comply you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
- Where can I check an EPC for a property?
- You can search the official energy certificate register to find EPCs and confirmed details for properties in Scotland and the rest of the UK [3].
How-To
- Ask the landlord to provide the current EPC within 7 days and keep a copy of your request.
- Submit a written request (email or recorded delivery) and save the evidence of delivery.
- File an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) using the tribunal application form if the landlord will not comply.
- Gather supporting evidence: copies of messages, adverts mentioning EPC data, and photographs if relevant.
Help and Support / Resources
- contact Housing and Property Chamber, First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (apply and forms)
- code: Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 — legislation.gov.uk
- find an energy certificate — GOV.UK
