Is My EPC Still Valid? How to Check Your Certificate Expiry

If you’re selling, letting or remortgaging a property, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is: “Do you have a valid EPC?”

Many owners assume that once they’ve had an EPC done, they never need to think about it again. In reality, EPCs expire after 10 years, and using an out-of-date certificate can lead to delays, legal issues and – for landlords – potential fines.

This guide explains exactly how to check whether your EPC is still valid, what the rules are in 2025, and what to do if you need a new one.

How long does an EPC last?

In England and Wales, a domestic EPC is valid for 10 years from the assessment date shown on the certificate.

Key points:

The validity period is fixed – it doesn’t reset when you change supplier or upgrade your heating.
There’s no requirement to renew an EPC if you’re not selling or renting the property.
However, if you’ve made improvements, getting a new EPC can help showcase a better rating to buyers or tenants.

You’ll find the expiry date clearly marked near the top of your EPC document.

How to check if your EPC is still valid

There are two easy ways to check whether your EPC is still in date.

1. Use an online EPC checker

The simplest option is to look up your property online.

Go to our free EPC checker.
Enter your postcode and select your address.
We’ll show your current EPC rating and when it was assessed.

If your EPC is still valid, you’ll see the current band (A–G) and can click through to view the full certificate and recommendations. From there you can also explore:

2. Check the certificate date on your EPC

If you already have a PDF or printed copy of your EPC:

Look for the “Date of assessment” on the first page.
Add 10 years to that date – that’s your expiry date.
If today’s date is after the expiry date, your EPC is no longer valid.

For example, if your EPC was assessed on 10 March 2016, it will expire on 9 March 2026.

If you can’t find your certificate to check the date, follow our step-by-step guide: How to Find, Check and Download Your EPC Online.

When do you legally need a valid EPC?

You must have a valid EPC when:

Marketing a property for sale (estate agents will ask for it)
Advertising a property for rent in the private rented sector
Completing a sale (solicitors and lenders expect a current certificate)
Applying for some energy efficiency grants or schemes

You do not usually need to renew an EPC simply because:

You’re changing energy supplier
You’re living in the property without selling or renting
You’ve made improvements but aren’t planning a transaction

That said, if you’ve upgraded your boiler, added insulation or installed solar panels, a new EPC can be a useful way to document your improved rating – especially if you plan to sell in the next few years.

Landlords should pay particular attention to EPC validity, because letting a property with an invalid or sub-standard EPC can lead to enforcement action. See EPC Rules for Landlords 2025–2030 and Landlord EPC Fines and Penalties for details.

What happens if my EPC has expired?

If your EPC has passed its 10-year expiry date:

The certificate is no longer valid for legal compliance (sale and rental).
You may still be able to view the old record, but it shouldn’t be relied on for transactions.
Some portals and agents will refuse to list your property until a new EPC is in place.

For owner-occupiers staying in their home, an expired EPC is not an emergency. However, if you’re planning to sell, let or remortgage, you should arrange a new assessment as soon as possible.

Book a new EPC assessment

To get a fresh EPC:

Search for a local domestic energy assessor or use a comparison site.
Expect to pay roughly £60–£120 depending on property size and area.
The assessor will inspect your property – insulation, windows, heating system, and so on.
You’ll receive a new EPC, usually within a few days, which is then valid for another 10 years.

Once your new EPC is live, you can look it up via our EPC checker and get personalised recommendations for improving your rating.

Do I need a new EPC if I’ve improved my home?

Legally, you only need a new EPC when you’re selling or renting. But from a practical and marketing point of view, it often makes sense to renew after major upgrades, such as:

Installing a new boiler or heating system
Adding loft or cavity wall insulation
Replacing old single glazing with double or triple glazing
Installing solar panels or a heat pump

These changes can significantly improve your EPC band. A new certificate:

Provides evidence of your improved rating to buyers and tenants
Can support higher asking prices or rents in some markets
Helps you understand which improvements delivered the biggest impact

If you’re planning upgrades, our guides can help you prioritise:

EPC validity rules for landlords

For landlords in England and Wales, EPC validity ties directly into minimum energy efficiency standards:

You must have a valid EPC before advertising a rental property.
The property must generally meet at least Band E (with some exemptions).
Using an expired EPC, or renting with a rating below the minimum without an exemption, can lead to fines.

The government has also proposed raising the minimum standard to Band C by 2030, although the exact timetable is still evolving. Keeping your EPC up to date makes it easier to plan improvements in advance.

For a full overview of landlord duties, read:

FAQs

Does an EPC automatically update when I make improvements?

No. Your EPC is a snapshot taken on the day of the assessment. If you upgrade your boiler, add insulation or install renewables, the EPC does not automatically change – you’ll need a new assessment to show a better rating.

Can I sell or rent my property with an out-of-date EPC?

In most cases, no. Estate agents and letting agents will expect a current EPC before they can legally market the property. Continuing to use an expired certificate can delay your transaction and, for landlords, may risk enforcement action.

Is there a grace period after an EPC expires?

There is no official grace period. Once the 10-year validity has passed, you should treat the EPC as expired. If you’re mid-tenancy, you don’t need to evict tenants, but you should arrange a new EPC before re-letting or renewing the tenancy.

How do I check my EPC expiry date online?

Use our EPC checker to search by postcode and address. We’ll show the assessment date and your current rating. If you can’t locate your certificate, follow the steps in How to Find, Check and Download Your EPC Online to retrieve it.

What should I do next if my EPC is expiring soon?

If your EPC will expire within the next 6–12 months and you’re planning to sell, remortgage or let the property:

Book a new EPC assessment in advance.
Use the current certificate and our guide How to Improve Your EPC Rating to identify quick wins before the assessor visits.
Once your new EPC is issued, return to the home page to see personalised recommendations and plan further upgrades.

Keeping your EPC valid and up to date makes property transactions smoother – and gives you a clear roadmap for cutting energy bills and improving your home’s efficiency.