EPC.

Why it matters

Legal requirement

An EPC is required whenever a property is built, sold, or rented out.

Current minimum standard

Since 1 April 2020, landlords in England and Wales must not grant or continue a tenancy for a domestic private rented property with an EPC rating below E, unless a valid exemption applies.

Proposed raise to C by 2030

The government is consulting on raising the minimum EPC rating for private rented homes from E to C, with the new standard proposed to apply to all tenancies by 2030.

Market value

Better-rated homes are more attractive to buyers and tenants, and can command higher rents or sale prices.

Validity

EPCs remain valid for 10 years from their issue date.

RdSAP 10 update

What's changed: RdSAP 10.

RdSAP 10 rolled out on 15 June 2025, aligning with the government's initiative to enhance the UK's housing stock. It's a significant update, offering more detailed, more accurate ways to assess a property's energy performance. Assessments now take longer on site, but the extra detail means a certificate that reflects a home's true efficiency far more closely.

Multiple wall types

Assessors can now record up to two wall constructions per section of a building, simplifying assessments for multi-unit dwellings with varying conditions.

Improved insulation data

Insulation depth can now be recorded in 25mm increments (down from 50mm steps), with a minimum of 10mm or 12mm.

Windows

Every window is now measured individually, recording length, height, orientation, frame type, glazing type and gap, age, draught proofing, shutters and location.

Lighting

Assessors now record total bulb count broken down by LED, CFL and incandescent, for more accurate energy calculations.

Ventilation

Expanded beyond open fireplaces to include blocked chimneys, open and closed flues, extract fans, passive stack vents and flueless gas fires.

Before your assessment

EPC pre-inspection checklist.

Have relevant building control documents ready: wall insulation, floor insulation, or double glazing certificates, or ensure the insulation is accessible for inspection. Without these, we’ll estimate levels based on the property’s age or extensions. Note: we can only use U-value calculations performed by an appropriately accredited assessor.

Ensure all rooms and areas of the property are accessible.

Have any FENSA certificate or BFRC data ready to hand to our assessor.

Evidence photos must be taken by our assessor, not the client: client-supplied images (including WhatsApp photos) often lose metadata or have mismatched dates, making them unsuitable for assessment.