Depends on your property

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Needed when you let for 4+ months a year and guests pay for energy. Many hosts get one anyway.

Applies to: Holiday lets let for 4 months or more in total in any 12 months, where the guest pays the energy costs.

How oftenValid for 10 years
Who can do itAn accredited domestic energy assessor
Typical costAbout £60 to £120
If it's missed£200 fixed penalty if you need one and don't have it

What the rules say

Government guidance says a holiday let needs an EPC if it is let for a combined 4 months or more in any 12-month period and the occupier pays for the energy used. Most all-inclusive holiday lets arguably fall outside that, but the guidance still refers to the old furnished holiday let tax definition, which was abolished in April 2025, so it is not fully clear.

The minimum energy rating rules for rented homes do not currently apply to holiday lets. The government plans to require EPC C for private rented homes by 2030 and has kept powers to bring short-term lets in later, so it is worth knowing your rating.

What to do

  1. Look up your property on the EPC register. You may already have a valid certificate.
  2. If not, or it has expired, book an accredited assessor.
  3. Record the date here and we'll remind you before it runs out.

Elsewhere in the UK

Scotland: An EPC dated within the last 10 years is a licence condition, and the rating must be shown in every advert.

Northern Ireland: Whether you need one depends on how the property is let, as in England. Many hosts get one anyway.

Tips from the field

  • Booking platforms and the new register may ask for it, so having one is the safe choice.

Official sources

Costs are typical 2025/26 prices, not official figures. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked 26 Sept 2026.

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