EPC Checklist for Landlords: What to Do Before Renting Out a Property

Renting out a property involves more than finding a tenant and arranging a tenancy agreement. Landlords also need to make sure the property is ready to be marketed and that the required documents are in place.

One important document is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

If you are a landlord preparing a property for rent, this simple EPC checklist for landlords can help you understand what to check before putting your property on the market.

1. Check Whether Your Property Already Has a Valid EPC

Before booking a new EPC assessment, check whether your property already has a valid certificate.

An EPC is generally valid for 10 years, unless a newer certificate has been issued for the property.

You can check an existing certificate using the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service.

If your property already has a valid EPC, you may not need to arrange another assessment simply because you are preparing for a new tenancy.

2. Check Your EPC Rating

An EPC gives your property an energy efficiency rating from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient.

Your certificate also contains recommendations for improving the property’s energy performance.

If your existing EPC has a lower rating than expected, review the recommendations before making major improvements.

You can also read our guide, EPC Rating C by 2030: What Every London Landlord Needs to Know Now.

3. Make Sure Your EPC Is Ready Before Marketing

If you are planning to advertise your property for rent, don’t leave the EPC until the last minute.

GOV.UK provides guidance on Energy Performance Certificates when selling or renting a property.

Read the latest Energy Performance Certificate guidance on GOV.UK.

This is particularly important if your property is being prepared for a new tenancy and your previous EPC has expired.

4. Prepare the Property for the EPC Assessment

If you need a new EPC, make sure the assessor can access the property and the areas that need to be inspected.

Before the appointment:

Make sure the property is accessible
Ensure rooms and relevant areas can be inspected
Have information about recent improvements available
Keep details of insulation upgrades if available
Have information about boiler replacements if available
Mention double-glazing or other relevant improvements
Tell the assessor about renewable energy systems where applicable

You can learn more about the assessment process in our guide:

What Happens During an EPC Assessment?

5. Check for Recent Improvements

Have you recently made improvements to the property?

Examples could include:

New boiler
Loft insulation
Wall insulation
Double glazing
Improved heating controls
Energy-efficient lighting
Solar panels

Keep any useful information about these improvements available for the assessor.

The EPC assessment considers features of the property that affect its energy performance.

However, you should not assume that every improvement will automatically result in a particular EPC rating. The final rating depends on the assessment and the information recorded about the property.

6. Understand the Current Landlord Energy Efficiency Rules

Landlords should keep up to date with the rules applying to private rented properties.

The current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) rules are particularly important for landlords.

GOV.UK states that domestic private rented properties covered by the regulations generally need to meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements or have a valid exemption.

Read the latest Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard – landlord guidance.

Important: EPC and rental-property rules can change, so landlords should check the latest government guidance rather than relying on an old article or previous certificate.

7. Don’t Automatically Replace a Valid EPC

A common mistake is assuming that every new tenant requires a new EPC.

That is not normally the case.

If your existing EPC is still valid and has not been replaced by a newer certificate, you may be able to use it for the property.

Check the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service before paying for another assessment.

This simple check could save you unnecessary time and expense.

8. Prepare the Rest of Your Property Marketing

An EPC is important, but it is only one part of preparing a rental property for the market.

Good property marketing can also include:

Professional property photography
A clear floor plan
Accurate property details
Strong listing descriptions
Correct EPC information

Professional photographs help show the property clearly online, while a floor plan allows prospective tenants to understand the layout before arranging a viewing.

If you need professional property marketing services, see our Property Marketing Services in Croydon: EPC, Photography and Floor Plans.

This service combines EPC, professional property photography and measured floor plans in one booking.

9. Landlord EPC Checklist

Before advertising your rental property, use this quick checklist:

EPC

Check whether the property already has an EPC
Check the EPC expiry date
Check the current EPC rating
Review the recommendations
Arrange a new assessment if required
Make sure the assessor can access the property
Keep information about recent improvements available

Rental preparation

Check the current landlord energy-efficiency requirements
Check whether any exemption may apply
Make sure the required EPC information is available
Prepare your property photographs
Prepare a floor plan
Prepare the property listing

EPC for Landlords in London

If you are a landlord in London, arranging your EPC early can make preparing your rental property much easier.

EPC Rate London provides EPC assessments across London, including areas such as Croydon, Clapham, Tooting, Streatham, Mitcham and Sutton.

For landlords in Croydon, read our guide:

What Croydon Landlords Need to Know About EPC Certificates

If you need an EPC quickly, see our guide:

Same Day EPC London: How to Get an EPC Certificate Quickly

Can I Book an EPC and Property Marketing Services Together?

Yes. If you are preparing a property for a new tenant, you may prefer to arrange the EPC, photography and floor plan together.

Having these services organised around the same property visit can reduce the amount of appointment planning involved.

Our Property Marketing Services in Croydon page explains how EPC, professional property photography and measured floor plans can be arranged together.

Where applicable, check the current pricing for any combined-service savings before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every rental property need an EPC?

Most properties being rented out in England and Wales require an EPC, subject to specific exemptions. Always check the latest GOV.UK guidance for your property.

How long is an EPC valid?

An EPC is generally valid for 10 years unless it is replaced by a newer certificate.

Do landlords need a new EPC for every tenant?

Not normally. If the existing EPC is still valid and has not been replaced, a new certificate is generally not required simply because the property has a new tenant.

What should I do if my EPC has expired?

If your property requires an EPC and the existing certificate has expired, arrange a new assessment before marketing the property for rent.

What if my EPC rating is low?

Review the recommendations included with the certificate. Depending on the property, improvements such as insulation, heating upgrades or more efficient lighting may help improve energy performance.

Can I check my EPC online?

Yes. You can use the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service to search for an existing certificate.

Can I arrange photography and a floor plan with my EPC?

Yes. EPC Rate London also provides professional property photography and floor plans, allowing landlords to organise several property marketing requirements together.

You can learn more about the combined EPC, photography and floor plan service.

Prepare Your Rental Property With Confidence

An EPC should be part of your property preparation checklist when getting a rental property ready for the market.

Start by checking whether you already have a valid certificate. If you need a new assessment, arrange it early and make sure the property is accessible for the assessor.

You can then prepare the rest of your marketing materials, including professional photographs and a clear floor plan.

If you need an EPC for your London rental property, you can book an EPC assessment or contact EPC Rate London to discuss your requirements.