An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency. Landlords in England & Wales generally need to provide a valid EPC to tenants before they rent the property.
Impact on Section 21:
- Failure to provide a valid EPC (usually rated E or above, unless exempt) to the tenant before the tenancy began generally invalidates a Section 21 notice.
- You must have given them the certificate itself, not just shown them the rating.
Section 8 & Scotland:
- While providing an EPC is still a legal requirement generally, failure typically doesn't invalidate a Section 8 notice in England/Wales or a Notice to Leave in Scotland in the same direct way it affects Section 21. However, overall landlord compliance is always advisable.
Takeaway: For Section 21 eligibility, ensuring you provided the EPC at the start is non-negotiable. Check your records carefully.
