How to Check If Your EPC Is Valid — Free Step-by-Step Guide

Every EPC in England and Wales is recorded on the official Government register and can be checked for free by anyone. Whether you are a tenant, landlord, property manager or homeowner, here is exactly how to check your EPC rating and whether your certificate is still valid — step by step.

What You Will Need

All you need is the postcode of the property you want to check. That is it — no account, no login, no payment. The Government's EPC Register is completely free and open to the public.

Step 1 — Go to the Official EPC Register

Open your browser and go to www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. This is the official Government website. Do not use any third-party site — the official register is free and always up to date.

Step 2 — Enter the Postcode

Type in the full postcode of the property (for example, MK42 9AB) and click "Find". The register will show a list of addresses matching that postcode.

Step 3 — Select Your Address

Find your property in the list and click on it. If there are multiple entries for the same address, this means the property has had more than one EPC over the years — the most recent one will be at the top.

Step 4 — View Your EPC

You will now see the full EPC for the property, including the current energy efficiency rating (A to G with a numerical score out of 100), the potential rating if improvements were made, the date the certificate was issued, the expiry date (10 years from the issue date), the assessor's name, the certificate reference number, and a full list of recommended energy improvements.

How to Tell If Your EPC Has Expired

Look at the "Valid until" date on the certificate. If today's date is past that date, your EPC has expired and is no longer legally valid. An EPC is valid for exactly 10 years from the date of issue. If your property does not appear on the register at all, it means an EPC has never been produced for it.

What This Means for Tenants

As a tenant, you have the right to see your property's EPC before signing a tenancy agreement. If your landlord has not provided one, you can check the register yourself using the postcode. If the property has an F or G rating, it should not be legally let unless the landlord has a valid exemption. You can report non-compliance to your local authority's trading standards team.

If you discover that the EPC has expired, raise this with your landlord or letting agent. They are legally required to have a valid EPC for any property they are renting out.

What This Means for Landlords

As a landlord, you must have a valid EPC before you market your property for rent. The certificate must show a rating of at least E under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations. If your EPC has expired, you need to book a new assessment before you can legally let the property or renew a tenancy.

Even if your previous EPC showed a good rating, if it has expired, you need a new one. The good news is that if you have made improvements since the last assessment (such as new insulation, a boiler upgrade, or double glazing), your new EPC may show a better rating.

What This Means for Property Managers

If you manage multiple properties, create a simple spreadsheet tracking each property's EPC expiry date, current rating, and any actions needed. Set reminders 3 months before each expiry so you have time to book a new assessment without any gap in compliance. We offer competitive rates for bulk assessments across portfolios — get in touch for a quote.

What This Means If You Are Selling

If you are selling your property, you must have a valid EPC before the property is marketed. Your estate agent is legally required to include the EPC rating in all property listings. If your existing EPC has expired, book a new assessment as early as possible — ideally before you instruct your estate agent. This avoids delays in getting the property listed.

What If Your EPC Is Expired or Missing?

If your EPC has expired, or if your property has never had one, you need to book a new assessment with a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor. The process is quick and straightforward — the assessor visits your property, carries out the inspection (typically 30-60 minutes), and your new certificate is usually issued within 24 to 48 hours.