Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) offer guidance on how much energy it takes to power a home. Whenever a property is built, put up for sale or listed to rent, an EPC is needed.
An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs. The certificate will also have recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money.
The certificate gives a property a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for ten years.
Visit the gov.uk website to get a copy of your EPC certificate.
If your property does not have an energy certificate or it has expired, you can get a new EPC certificate on the gov.uk website.
View an example of an Energy Performance Certificate
For landlords and tenants
It’s a legal requirement for privately rented properties to have an EPC rating of at least an ‘E’ before it’s let.
Some exemptions apply and these must be registered by the landlord before the property is let out. You can check if an exemption has been registered against your property by visiting the PRS exemptions register.
Landlords who do not meet the necessary minimum standards are at risk of being fined up to £5,000. If you need to report a property in the Somerset area which does not meet the minimum standard, you do so here: Complain about housing conditions
For property owners
You may be able to get grants and loans to improve the energy rating of your home. Head over to our financial assistance page for more information.