How to check an EPC rating
For a property in England or Wales, search the official government energy certificate service using the address or postcode. Select the correct property and open the current certificate.
What to look for
Check the address, certificate date, expiry information, current A–G band, potential rating and recommendation section. If more than one certificate exists, a newer EPC normally supersedes an older one for the same property.
What if the address is not found?
Try the postcode and alternative address formatting. If no valid certificate exists and one is required for a sale or letting, arrange an assessment with an accredited domestic energy assessor. Some properties may be exempt, so legal requirements should be checked where the situation is unusual.
Do you need a new EPC after improvements?
Not automatically. If the existing certificate is still valid, it can generally continue to be used in England and Wales. If you want the official certificate to reflect meaningful upgrades, a new assessment is needed to produce a new rating.
Landlord checks
Landlords should also consider the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard. Current government guidance says covered domestic private rented properties in England and Wales generally need an EPC rating of E or above unless a valid exemption applies. Future standards are still being developed, so check current law rather than relying on old headlines.
For a fuller walkthrough, read EPC rating check: how to find and read your certificate.