Do You Need an EPC in Northamptonshire? A Complete Guide for Homeowners and Landlords
Whether you’re selling, letting or even just improving your property, understanding when an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required is essential. This comprehensive guide aims to clarify EPC obligations for homeowners and landlords throughout Northamptonshire, including Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby, and beyond.
In recent years, changes in legislation and growing environmental awareness have made EPCs more relevant than ever. With enforcement tightening across local councils and the government pushing for energy-efficient housing, knowing your EPC responsibilities isn’t just good practice—it’s the law.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An EPC is a document that shows the energy efficiency rating of a property, scored on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It includes details on energy use, typical energy costs, and recommendations to improve efficiency.
Each EPC is valid for 10 years and must be issued by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor.
When is an EPC Required?
You will need an EPC if you:
- Sell your home
- Rent out a property to new tenants
- Build a new property
Key Situations Where EPCs Are Required:
- Selling a Home in Northamptonshire
- An EPC must be ordered before marketing your property.
- Estate agents typically require this to list the home.
- The EPC must be available for potential buyers to view.
- Letting a Property
- Landlords must provide a valid EPC to prospective tenants before a tenancy agreement is signed.
- This applies to all private rented residential properties.
- New Build Homes
- Developers must provide an EPC upon completion of a newly built home.
- This usually forms part of Building Regulations compliance.
- Property Modifications
- If you significantly modify a property (e.g., converting it from commercial to residential use), you may be required to obtain a new EPC.
Who is Responsible for Getting the EPC?
- Homeowners are responsible for obtaining the EPC when selling.
- Landlords are responsible for getting and providing the EPC before renting out a property.
- Developers or Builders must secure an EPC for new builds.
If you fail to obtain a certificate when one is required, you can face enforcement actions and financial penalties.
EPC Certificate Northamptonshire: Local Council Enforcement
Local authorities in Northamptonshire have been granted powers to enforce EPC compliance. This includes:
- Northampton Borough Council
- North Northamptonshire Council (Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby)
- West Northamptonshire Council (Northampton, Daventry, South Northants)
Enforcement officers regularly carry out checks on online property listings and rental advertisements. If a property is found to be on the market without a valid EPC, landlords or sellers may be served with a penalty notice.
What are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
Failing to comply with EPC regulations can result in the following fines:
- £200 fine for domestic properties where the EPC is not made available when required.
- For landlords, this can escalate further under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations.
If you are found renting out a property with an EPC rating below E (currently the legal minimum), you could face penalties up to £5,000 per breach.
Landlord EPC Rules: What You Must Know
In addition to the general requirement to provide a valid EPC:
- Minimum EPC Rating: Since April 2018, landlords must ensure their rental properties meet a minimum rating of E on the EPC scale.
- New Tenancies: This applies to all new tenancies and renewals.
- Existing Tenancies: As of April 2020, these rules now apply to all privately rented homes.
Exemptions:
Some properties may be exempt, such as:
- Listed buildings where energy improvements would unacceptably alter character.
- Short-term lets (less than 6 months without renewal rights).
- Properties due to be demolished.
Changes on the Horizon: EPC C by 2030
The government has announced its intention to raise the minimum EPC requirement for rental properties to C by 2030. While not yet law, landlords are strongly encouraged to start improving their properties now to meet future standards and avoid costly last-minute upgrades.
In Northamptonshire, where many properties are older (Victorian terraces in Northampton, post-war estates in Kettering and Corby), this could involve:
- Upgrading boilers
- Installing better insulation (loft, cavity wall)
- Switching to double or triple glazing
- Fitting low-energy lighting
What Happens During an EPC Assessment?
An accredited Domestic Energy Assessor will:
- Conduct a site visit (typically 30-60 minutes)
- Measure and assess key features:
- Construction type
- Insulation levels
- Windows and glazing
- Heating systems and controls
- Lighting
- Enter the data into government-approved software to produce the EPC.
The certificate will then be uploaded to the national EPC register and emailed to the property owner.
How to Get an EPC in Northamptonshire
Northants EPC offers fast, reliable and competitively priced EPC assessments across:
- Northampton
- Kettering
- Wellingborough
- Corby
- Daventry
- Towcester
- Rushden
- And surrounding villages
We’re fully accredited and experienced with both domestic and commercial EPCs, offering a simple process from booking to certification.
Why EPCs Matter
Beyond legal compliance, EPCs offer valuable insights:
- Help buyers and tenants compare energy costs
- Highlight ways to save on bills
- Identify opportunities for eco grants or loans
For landlords, higher EPC ratings can:
- Attract better tenants
- Justify higher rents
- Future-proof against regulation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I sell my home without an EPC?
No. It must be commissioned before marketing the property. Delays can slow down or even derail a sale.
2. Do all landlords need an EPC?
Yes. Whether you’re renting out one property or multiple, you must have a valid EPC rated E or above.
3. How much does an EPC cost in Northamptonshire?
Prices typically range from £50-£70 for domestic properties. At Northants EPC, we offer competitive rates with quick turnaround.
4. Can I be fined if my EPC expires?
Only if the property is marketed for sale or rent. If not, you’re not legally required to renew until that changes.
5. What if my property is exempt?
You must register the exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register with appropriate documentation.
Conclusion
If you’re a homeowner or landlord in Northamptonshire, knowing your responsibilities around Energy Performance Certificates is essential. With enforcement from local councils like Northampton, Kettering and Wellingborough becoming stricter, staying informed is key to avoiding costly fines and delays.
At Northants EPC, we take the stress out of compliance. Whether you’re selling a flat in Northampton town centre, letting a semi in Corby, or developing homes in Towcester, our experienced assessors are ready to help.
Get in touch today to book your EPC and ensure you stay on the right side of the law—and the future of energy efficiency.
Northants EPC offer Energy Performance Certificates throughout Northampton and the surrounding villages.
We also offer Energy Performance Consultations, with a full report on the energy performance of your property and a working plan to improve your rating.
To book and EPC or for further information contact us anytime.
Northants EPC
01604 807308