What Type Of Epc Do I Need

What Type Of EPC Do I Need? A Complete Guide For UK Landlords, Agents, And Businesses

If you own or manage property in the UK, you’ve probably heard of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). But with changing legislation, different property types, and evolving standards, many landlords, agents, and business owners still ask: _What type of EPC do I need?_

At Eco Approach Ltd, we understand that compliance can be confusing. As a leading UK provider of property safety and compliance services—including EPCs—we’re here to help you navigate the requirements and ensure your properties are fully compliant, energy efficient, and ready for the future.

In this article, we’ll explain:
– What an EPC is and why it matters
– The different types of EPCs and when each is needed
– How EPC requirements apply to residential, commercial, and new-build properties
– Recent changes in EPC legislation
– How Eco Approach Ltd can simplify your EPC compliance nationwide

What Is An EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal document that rates the energy efficiency of a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It provides details about a property’s energy use, typical energy costs, and recommendations for improvement.

EPCs are required by law whenever a property is built, sold, or rented. They help tenants, buyers, and owners understand a building’s energy performance and environmental impact.

Why Are EPCs Important?

1. Legal Requirement: EPCs are mandatory under UK law for most properties. Failing to provide a valid EPC can lead to fines of up to £5,000.
2. Environmental Responsibility: EPCs encourage improvements in energy efficiency, helping reduce carbon emissions and energy bills.
3. Marketability: A higher EPC rating can make your property more attractive to tenants and buyers.
4. Future-Proofing: With tightening regulations, a poor EPC rating could limit your ability to let or sell property in the future.

Types Of EPCs In The UK

There are three main types of EPCs relevant to UK property:

1. Domestic EPC (Residential)

– What is it?
A Domestic EPC assesses the energy efficiency of individual dwellings—houses, flats, or apartments.
– When is it needed?
– When selling or letting a residential property
– After significant renovations that affect energy performance
– For compliance with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for rented properties

2. Non-Domestic EPC (Commercial)

– What is it?
A Non-Domestic EPC evaluates the energy performance of commercial or non-residential buildings, such as offices, shops, warehouses, and public buildings.
– When is it needed?
– When selling or letting a commercial property
– After major modifications or extensions
– For compliance with MEES for non-domestic rentals

3. New-Build EPC (SAP EPC)

– What is it?
For new buildings, a different methodology called SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is used to produce an EPC. This is often part of Building Regulations compliance.
– When is it needed?
– For all newly constructed residential properties before they are marketed or occupied
– As part of the Building Control sign-off process

Which Type Of EPC Do I Need?

This depends on your property type and what you plan to do with it. Here’s a quick breakdown:

| Property Type | Action | EPC Type Required |
|||-|
| Existing house/flat | Selling or letting | Domestic EPC |
| Existing office/shop | Selling or letting | Non-Domestic EPC |
| Newly built home | Completion/occupation | SAP EPC (New-Build EPC) |
| Newly built office | Completion/occupation | Non-Domestic EPC (New-Build) |
| Major renovation | After completion | New EPC may be required |

Key Points:
– If you are letting or selling a dwelling, you need a Domestic EPC.
– If you are letting or selling a commercial property, you need a Non-Domestic EPC.
– If you have built a new property, you need a SAP EPC (for homes) or a new-build commercial EPC.

EPC Requirements For Landlords

Residential Landlords:
– You must provide a valid Domestic EPC (rating E or above) to new tenants.
– From 2025, all newly rented residential properties may be required to achieve a minimum C rating (subject to government confirmation).
– Existing tenancies must meet the minimum standard by 2028.

Commercial Landlords:
– You must provide a Non-Domestic EPC to new tenants or buyers.
– From April 2023, it is unlawful to continue letting commercial property with an EPC rating lower than E.

EPC Requirements For Businesses And Agents

– If you are selling or letting property on behalf of clients, you are responsible for ensuring an EPC is in place.
– Businesses occupying buildings over 500m² may also need to display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) if the building is frequently visited by the public.

What About Exemptions?

Some buildings are exempt from needing an EPC, such as:
– Listed buildings where improvements would unacceptably alter their character
– Temporary buildings (used for less than two years)
– Places of worship
– Standalone buildings under 50m² (not dwellings)

However, exemptions are limited—most properties will require an EPC.

How Long Is An EPC Valid?

An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. However, if you make significant changes to the property (such as adding insulation, new heating systems, or extensions), you should obtain a new EPC to reflect the improvements.

Recent Changes In EPC Legislation

The UK government is committed to improving energy efficiency in buildings. Key changes include:
– MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards): Applies to both domestic and non-domestic rentals. Properties must have an EPC rating of E or higher to be let.
– Future Standards: The government has proposed raising the minimum to a C rating for residential lets by 2025 (for new tenancies) and 2028 (for all tenancies).
– Fines: Non-compliance can result in significant fines and restrictions on letting or selling your property.

Staying ahead of these changes is crucial for landlords, agents, and businesses.

How To Get The Right EPC—And Stay Compliant

1. Identify Your Property Type:
Is it residential, commercial, or new-build?

2. Determine The Transaction:
Are you selling, letting, or completing a new build?

3. Book A Qualified Assessor:
Only accredited assessors can carry out EPC surveys. The process involves a site visit and assessment of construction, insulation, heating, and lighting.

4. Keep Records And Plan Ahead:
Store your EPCs securely and monitor expiry dates. Plan improvements if your rating is below the required minimum.

Why Choose Eco Approach Ltd For Your EPC Needs?

At Eco Approach Ltd, we make EPC compliance simple, reliable, and nationwide:

– Expertise: Our team coordinates qualified, accredited EPC assessors across the UK.
– Comprehensive Service: We handle Domestic, Non-Domestic, and SAP EPCs for all property types.
– Integrated Compliance: We offer a full suite of property safety and compliance services—including gas safety, electrical testing, and fire risk assessments—so you can manage everything with one trusted partner.
– Regulatory Insight: We stay up-to-date with the latest legislation, helping you avoid costly mistakes and future-proof your properties.
– Scale And Reliability: Whether you have one property or a large portfolio, we deliver consistent, compliant results at scale.

Conclusion

Knowing what type of EPC you need is essential for legal compliance, tenant safety, and energy efficiency. The right EPC depends on your property type and your plans for it—whether selling, letting, or building new. With changing regulations and increasing standards, partnering with a reliable compliance provider like Eco Approach Ltd can save you time, reduce risk, and ensure you’re always one step ahead.

Need an EPC or want to discuss your compliance needs?
[Contact Eco Approach Ltd](https://ecoapproach.co.uk/contact) today for expert, nationwide support.

Eco Approach Ltd—Simplifying property compliance for landlords, agents, and businesses across the UK.