Updated: 27 September 2026. If an EPC expires while the same tenant is already living in the property, that does not automatically mean the landlord must obtain a new EPC the next day simply because the 10-year certificate period has ended. An EPC is generally required when a qualifying property is built, sold or rented out, and an existing occupier does not normally need a replacement certificate solely because the previous one has expired.
However, the landlord should not ignore the expiry. A fresh EPC may be needed before the property is marketed or rented again, and the separate Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) rules can still apply to a property that is being let.
Expired EPC during a tenancy: the position at a glance
| Situation | Practical position |
|---|---|
| EPC expires while the same tenant remains | A new EPC is not normally required solely because the 10-year certificate has expired. |
| Property is about to be marketed for a new letting | A valid EPC will normally be required before or during marketing, subject to statutory exemptions. |
| Property is being sold | A valid EPC is generally required where the property is within scope. |
| Previous EPC was F or G | Do not assume expiry removes MEES obligations. Covered properties must meet the current minimum or have a valid exemption. |
| Property already has a newer EPC | The newer certificate supersedes the older one. |
| Landlord plans major improvements | A new assessment after the work may help show the updated energy performance. |
How long is an EPC valid?
An Energy Performance Certificate is normally valid for 10 years from the date it is issued, unless a newer EPC is produced for the same property.
During that period, the same EPC can generally be used for multiple sales or lettings, provided it remains valid and no newer certificate supersedes it.
Government guidance explains the rules in A guide to Energy Performance Certificates for the marketing, sale and let of dwellings.
Does an existing tenant need a new EPC when the old one expires?
Government guidance says existing occupiers and tenants do not require an EPC simply because they continue to occupy the building. The requirement is generally linked to a transaction or other EPC trigger rather than the passage of time alone.
That means a certificate reaching the end of its 10-year validity during an ongoing tenancy does not usually create an automatic requirement to commission a replacement immediately solely for the existing tenant.
When will the landlord normally need a new EPC?
- before or during marketing of a qualifying property for a new letting
- before marketing a qualifying property for sale
- where a new EPC is otherwise required because of a relevant transaction or building change
- where the landlord wants an updated rating after significant energy-efficiency improvements
If a tenancy is being renewed, varied or replaced and the legal position is unclear, the landlord should check whether the arrangement creates a fresh EPC trigger rather than assuming that an expired certificate is sufficient.
Can a landlord advertise a property with an expired EPC?
A qualifying building offered for sale or rent generally needs a valid EPC, and the energy-performance indicator must be included in commercial advertising.
If the existing EPC has expired and the property is about to return to the market, the safer approach is to arrange the new assessment before the marketing process proceeds.
Does an expired EPC remove MEES obligations?
No. EPC validity and MEES compliance are related but not identical questions.
Under the current domestic MEES rules, landlords cannot normally let or continue to let a covered private rented property with an EPC rating below E unless a valid exemption applies.
If a property was known to be rated F or G, allowing the certificate to expire should not be treated as a way of avoiding the energy-efficiency requirements. The landlord should review the property’s current position, improvements and any valid exemption.
See the government’s current domestic MEES landlord guidance.
What if the expired EPC was rated E?
If the property was rated E under the current rules, that previous certificate showed compliance at the time it was issued. However, if a new EPC is now required, the new assessment will determine the current rating.
Changes to the building, heating system or assessment methodology can affect the result, so landlords should not assume a new certificate will automatically reproduce an old rating.
What if the expired EPC was rated F or G?
This needs more urgent attention. Domestic properties covered by MEES cannot normally be let or continue to be let below EPC E unless a valid exemption applies.
The current landlord cost cap for relevant improvements remains £3,500 including VAT under the existing domestic rules. Where the property cannot be improved to E within the applicable framework, an exemption may be available if the statutory criteria are met and properly registered.
Should landlords renew EPCs early?
There is no need to replace every EPC early as a routine administrative exercise. However, an early reassessment can make sense where:
- the property is about to be marketed
- major insulation, heating or glazing improvements have been completed
- the previous rating was close to the current minimum
- the landlord is planning refurbishment around future 2030 energy requirements
- a portfolio owner wants updated data for investment planning
What about the 2030 landlord EPC changes?
The government has announced a higher future energy-efficiency standard for private rented homes from 1 October 2030, using a new assessment approach. Implementing legislation is still required.
That does not change today’s legal minimum, but landlords with expired or soon-to-expire EPCs can use the next assessment as a useful planning point for future improvements.
For the full distinction between the current rules and future policy, read our EPC Requirements for London Landlords in 2026 and 2030.
What should a letting agent do when an EPC expires?
- record the expiry date in the property compliance system
- check whether the same tenancy is continuing or the property is returning to market
- review the previous EPC rating and MEES status
- arrange a new EPC before a new marketing/letting trigger where required
- keep the new certificate with the property’s compliance records
- update any online advertisements with the current rating
Domestic EPC services in London
Primelinks Solutions helps landlords, letting agents and property managers coordinate EPC and wider energy-compliance requirements across London.
- See our EPC service.
- Explore EPC service for the energy-efficiency workstream.
- Read the EPC & MEES Guide.
- For current and 2030 rules, see EPC Requirements for London Landlords in 2026.
- For multiple properties, use landlord compliance packs.
- For London coverage, see our London coverage page.
Frequently asked questions
My EPC expired while my tenant is still living there. Do I need a new one immediately?
Not normally solely because the 10-year certificate period ended during the same continuing occupation. A new EPC is generally needed when a new statutory trigger arises, such as marketing or re-letting a qualifying property.
Can I market a property with an expired EPC?
A qualifying property offered for rent generally needs a valid EPC, so a replacement assessment should normally be arranged before or during the marketing process.
Does an expired F or G EPC mean MEES no longer applies?
No. Certificate expiry should not be treated as removing MEES obligations for a covered property that is below the current minimum standard.
How long is an EPC valid?
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years unless a newer EPC is produced for the same property.
Need a replacement EPC in London?
Use Get a Quote and provide the property address, previous EPC rating if known, expiry date and whether the property is currently occupied or being prepared for a new letting.
This article provides general information and is not legal or energy-assessment advice. EPC and MEES requirements depend on the property and the transaction or tenancy circumstances.