EPC cost for landlords: what the certificate costs, and what the minimum rating costs you

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EPC cost UK: the certificate

Source: Checkatrade, "Energy Performance Certificate cost in the UK in 2026", updated May 2026 [1].

What affects the EPC price

Checkatrade lists [1]:

• property size and number of bedrooms: bigger homes take longer, so a 3-bed house costs more than a flat
• property type: older or unusual buildings can take longer
• location: prices are often higher in London and larger cities
• urgency: fast-track surveys can cost more
• complexity: extensions and conversions take longer

EPCs must be done by an accredited domestic energy assessor. You can't do your own [1].

Minimum EPC rating for rental property

The Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency standard for domestic private rented property in England and Wales is band E [2]. GOV.UK's guidance says [2]:

• landlords can no longer let or continue to let properties covered by the rules if they have an EPC rating below E, unless they have a valid exemption
• if your property is F or G and you want a new tenancy, you must improve it to E or register an exemption first
• if it's F or G with an existing tenancy and you haven't acted, you must improve it to E immediately or register an exemption

Our existing guide covers who's covered in more detail: EPC rules for landlords.

The £3,500 cost cap

GOV.UK sets a cost cap of £3,500 for improvements [2]:

• if the property can reach E for £3,500 or less, make the improvements
• if it would cost more, install all recommended measures you can within £3,500, then register an "all relevant improvements made" exemption
• improvements made since 1 October 2017 can count towards the £3,500 [2]

You don't need to spend up to £3,500 if a cheaper route gets you to E [2].

EPC exemptions

If an exemption applies, you register it on the PRS Exemptions Register and can then let the property [2]. GOV.UK lists exemptions including [2]:

• all relevant improvements made
• high cost
• wall insulation
• third-party consent (for example where a freeholder or planning authority won't allow works)

Exemptions must be registered; they don't apply automatically.

EPC fines

Checkatrade summarises the penalties as: £200 for failing to get an EPC, up to £4,000 for letting below band E without an exemption, and up to £5,000 per property for breaches overall [1]. The GOV.UK guidance sets out the enforcement regime in full [2].

Is the minimum rating going up?

The government has consulted on raising the standard for private rentals. As of 21 October 2026, the GOV.UK guidance we checked describes band E as the legal minimum [2]. We'll update this guide when any new standard is confirmed in law.

What it really costs: a landlord's EPC budget

Improvements like insulation, heating controls and glazing can also help with damp and condensation. See damp and mould landlord responsibilities.

Don't let the EPC expire quietly

Ten years is long enough to forget an EPC exists, and you need a valid one when you let the property [1]. Gaffy's document vault lets you tag the EPC with its expiry date, and Gaffy flags it before it runs out, next to your gas safety certificate and EICR. See EPC reminders.

How to read your EPC

An EPC rates the property from A, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient [1]. It also shows estimated energy costs and a list of recommended improvements [1]. For landlords, the recommendations are the useful part: they show which measures the assessor thinks would lift the rating, and that list is what the £3,500 cost cap is measured against [2].

Common recommendations include loft insulation, better heating controls, low-energy lighting, glazing improvements and heating system upgrades [1].

How to find your current EPC

You can usually download a copy of an existing certificate from the official EPC register [1]. Check it before you book a new one. If it's still within its 10 years and the property hasn't changed much, you may not need a new assessment for a new tenancy. If you've made improvements since, a new EPC could show a better rating.

A practical EPC plan for small landlords

1. Check every property's rating and expiry date today.
2. Flag anything at F or G and act now. You can't let it without improving it or registering an exemption [2].
3. For anything at E, read the recommendations and plan the cheaper measures over the next few void periods.
4. Keep receipts for energy improvements. Work since 1 October 2017 can count towards the cost cap [2].
5. Set a reminder well before each EPC expires.

EPC cost for landlords with several properties

Some assessors will price several properties together, especially in the same area. It's worth asking. Also check whether the quote includes lodging the certificate on the register.

FAQs

How much does an EPC cost?

Typically £65 to £120 [1].

How long is an EPC valid?

10 years [1].

What is the minimum EPC rating for a rental property?

Band E in England and Wales, unless a valid exemption is registered [2].

What if my rental is EPC F or G?

Improve it to E, spending up to £3,500, or register an exemption [2].

Can I do my own EPC?

No. It must be done by an accredited assessor [1].

What's the fine for a rental below E?

Up to £4,000 for letting below E without an exemption, and up to £5,000 per property overall [1].

How does Gaffy help?

Gaffy flags EPC, gas safety and EICR expiry dates per property and gives tenants a repair link with no app. It's £12 a month for up to 5 properties, plus £4 a month for each extra property, and the first month is free.

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Sources

1. Checkatrade, Energy Performance Certificate cost in the UK in 2026: https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/epc-cost/
2. GOV.UK, Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard, landlord guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance