FAQ
EPC questions, answered plainly
The things people actually ring up and ask, grouped by when they tend to ask them. If yours is not here, call or WhatsApp me on +44 7386 645915 and you will get a straight answer rather than a callback form.
Before you book
When is an EPC legally required?
Whenever a property is marketed for sale or rent in England and Wales, and at the start of a new tenancy. It must be commissioned before marketing begins, not after an offer comes in.
How do I find an accredited EPC assessor near me?
Any Energy Performance Certificate must be produced by an assessor registered with an approved scheme. Mine is Elmhurst Energy, accreditation number EES/036245, and you can look it up on the government’s own register before booking. Covering all London boroughs means “near me” is usually the same day.
Can I get a same-day EPC in London?
Often, yes. Same-day and next-day slots are regularly available across London, and an express service can have the certificate lodged the same evening. Call or WhatsApp +44 7386 645915 and I’ll tell you straight away what’s free.
On the day
How long does an EPC visit take?
Typically 30–45 minutes for a flat or standard house. The assessor needs access to all rooms, the loft hatch and the boiler.
What do you need access to?
Every room, including any loft space, plus the boiler, the hot water cylinder if there is one, and the meters. If the loft hatch is screwed shut or the boiler is boxed in, let me know beforehand so the visit is not wasted.
Does anyone need to be there?
Someone needs to let me in and give me access to the whole property. That can be you, a tenant, or an agent with keys — whatever suits. Tenants get proper notice.
Do I need to tidy up first?
A quick tidy helps, yes. It is not about how the place looks — it is about reaching things. I need to get to every window, every radiator and the heating system, so if a sofa is pushed against a radiator or a bed is under a window, please move it beforehand. Clearing the way in advance keeps the visit short and means nothing has to be recorded as inaccessible.
After the visit
How long is an EPC valid?
Ten years from the date of lodgement, and the certificate stays with the property rather than with you.
How quickly do I get the certificate?
Lodged on the Gov.uk register within 48 hours as standard, and emailed to you as a PDF the moment it is on there. Express same-evening lodgement is available if a listing is waiting on it.
Landlords and agents
What EPC rating do landlords need?
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, most rented homes must reach band E or above unless a valid exemption is registered.
Do you work with letting agents on multiple properties?
Regularly. Portfolios are batched by postcode, with volume rates from five properties a month and one consolidated invoice showing a per-property breakdown. Tenant access is arranged directly, with proper notice given.
Do you provide floor plans for estate agents?
Yes — laser-measured 2D floor plans drawn to Rightmove and Zoopla specification, supplied as JPG and PDF, with optional agency branding. Bundled with an EPC on the same visit they work out cheaper than booking each separately.
What happens if the property scores below E?
The certificate comes with a list of recommended improvements and what each would do to the score. I will talk you through which ones are actually worth doing for your property rather than leaving you with a generic list.
Still not sure what you need?
Tell me about the property and I will tell you which package fits — or whether you need anything at all.