An EPC is already required for a property when it is offered for rent.
From April 2018, private rental properties in England and Wales must achieve an energy efficiency rating of at least E on their certificate. The minimum standard will initially only apply upon the granting of a new tenancy to a new or existing tenant which includes rolling on tenancies from a fixed term. Then from 2020 the standard will apply to all privately rented properties unless a valid exemption applies. For the property to be exempt, the work needed to bring the property up to an E rating would result in a greater than 5% reduction in the value of the property or would negatively impact on the structure of the building.
If the landlord fails to register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions register and lets out a sub-standard Property in breach of these new regulations they could face a fine of up to £4000.
The EPC is valid for 10 years.