Can I sell a house with an expired EPC?

No. You are legally required to have a valid EPC before marketing a property for sale. Estate agents cannot list your property without one.

What happens if my EPC expires while I have tenants?

If your EPC expires mid-tenancy, you don't need to get a new one immediately. However, you will need a valid EPC before the next change of tenancy or if you're renewing a lease.

How much does it cost to renew an EPC?

A domestic EPC renewal typically costs between £35 and £120 depending on property size and location. Commercial EPCs cost more, usually between £150 and £500.

Do I need a new EPC if I've made improvements?

It's not legally required unless you're selling or renting, but getting a new EPC after improvements can reflect a better rating, which increases property value and may be needed for MEES compliance.

When does my EPC expire?

Your EPC expires exactly 10 years after its issue date. You can check this by looking up your property on the official EPC Register or by using our free EPC checker tool.

Is there a fine for not having a valid EPC?

Yes. Landlords can face fines of up to £5,000 for failing to have a valid EPC when required. For commercial properties, penalties can be even higher under MEES regulations.

EPC Expiry Guide

Check Your EPC Expiry Date

Q: How long does an EPC last?

An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date it was issued. After that, you'll need a new assessment if you're selling, renting, or remortgaging your property.

An Energy Performance Certificate lasts 10 years. Whether you're selling, renting, or remortgaging — find out when yours expires and what to do next.

Check My EPC Now Book a Renewal

Key Facts About EPC Expiry

Valid for 10 Years

From the date your Energy Performance Certificate is issued, it remains valid for exactly 10 years.

Expired = Can't Sell or Let

You cannot legally market a property for sale or rent without a valid, in-date EPC.

Quick & Easy to Renew

Renewals take under an hour. Book online and get your new certificate within days.

How Long Does an EPC Last?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years from its date of issue. This applies to both domestic and commercial properties across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. After 10 years, the certificate expires and you will need a new assessment if you intend to sell, rent, or make certain changes to the property.

Key Point

Scotland has a different system — EPCs there do not expire but must be updated when significant changes are made to the property.

When Do You Need a Valid EPC?

You are legally required to have a valid EPC in these situations:

Selling a property — Must be available before the property is marketed
Renting a property — Required before a new tenancy begins
Building a new property — An EPC must be produced on completion
Remortgaging — Some lenders now require a valid EPC

What Happens When Your EPC Expires?

When your EPC expires, it doesn't trigger any automatic penalty. However, you cannot use an expired certificate to sell or let your property. If you attempt to market a property without a valid EPC, you could face a fixed penalty notice.

Domestic Properties

Fine of up to £200 for failing to provide a valid EPC to prospective buyers or tenants.

Commercial Properties

Fines range from £500 to £5,000 depending on the rateable value of the property.

How to Check If Your EPC Has Expired

There are two easy ways to check your EPC expiry date:

Use our free EPC Checker — Search by postcode here and we'll show you the expiry date of every certificate linked to your address.
Check the official register — Visit the Government EPC Register and search by postcode or report reference number.

Check Your EPC Expiry Now

Enter your postcode and find out instantly whether your certificate is still valid.

Free EPC Checker

How to Renew an Expired EPC

Renewing your EPC is straightforward. A qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) will visit your property, carry out an assessment — usually taking 30 to 60 minutes — and lodge the new certificate on the national register. You'll receive it within a few days.

Book an EPC assessment online
We'll call you to arrange a convenient time
The assessor visits and completes the survey
Your new EPC is lodged and emailed to you

EPC Expiry & Landlords: MEES Rules

Landlords face additional requirements under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Since April 2018, rental properties in England and Wales must have an EPC rating of at least E before they can be let to new tenants. If your EPC has expired and you need to renew, the new certificate must meet this minimum standard.

Landlord Alert

MEES fines for non-compliance can reach £5,000 per property. Use our MEES Fine Calculator to check your risk.

Do I Need a New EPC After Home Improvements?

There is no legal requirement to get a new EPC after making improvements — unless you're planning to sell or rent. However, if you've installed new insulation, double glazing, a new boiler, or solar panels, a new EPC could reflect a better energy rating. This can:

Increase your property's market value
Attract environmentally-conscious buyers and tenants
Help landlords meet MEES compliance
Reduce energy bills and carbon footprint

Frequently Asked Questions

Need to Renew Your EPC?

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