Quick Answer
An EPC, Energy Performance Certificate, measures how energy efficient a property is and gives it a rating from A to G. An EICR, Electrical Installation Condition Report, checks whether the fixed electrical wiring is safe. An EPC is valid for 10 years. An EICR is valid for 5 years. Landlords letting a property need both.
Side by Side Comparison
| EPC | EICR | |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Energy efficiency | Electrical safety |
| Rating given | A to G scale | Satisfactory or unsatisfactory |
| Valid for | 10 years | 5 years |
| Minimum standard | Band E to let legally | No C1, C2, or FI codes |
| Typical cost | £60 to £120 | £90 to £350 |
| Who carries it out | Domestic Energy Assessor | Qualified electrician |
Why Landlords Confuse Them
Both certificates are legally required for most rental properties, both get handed to tenants at the start of a tenancy, and both acronyms are three letters starting with E. Beyond that surface similarity, they measure entirely unrelated things. An EPC tells you how much it costs to heat and power a home. An EICR tells you whether the wiring itself is safe to use.
Do You Need Both?
Yes, if you are letting a residential property in England. The EPC must be in place before you market the property, with a minimum rating of E. The EICR must be obtained before a new tenancy starts and renewed every 5 years. Missing either one is a separate compliance breach with its own penalty, so having one in date does not cover you for the other.
When Each One Gets Checked
- Marketing a property to let: EPC must already be in place with the rating shown in any advert
- Before a tenant moves in: Both a valid EPC and a valid EICR must be provided
- Selling a property: An EPC is legally required before marketing for sale. An EICR is not legally required for an owner-occupied sale, though buyers often expect one. See our guide on whether you need an EICR to sell your house.
- Mortgage or remortgage: Lenders may check both, particularly for older properties or where MEES compliance is a concern
What Happens If Either One Lapses
An expired EPC means you are marketing or letting a property without required documentation, which can result in fines. An expired EICR is a direct breach of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which can lead to a civil penalty of up to £40,000. Read our full guide on what happens if you fail an EICR for the complete enforcement process.
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Is Changing
The minimum EPC rating required to let a property is E today, but the government has consulted on raising this to C by 2030. Landlords with older, less efficient properties should plan ahead for this change rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
How These Fit Your Wider Compliance Picture
EPC and EICR sit alongside your gas safety certificate and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm duties as core landlord requirements. See our full gas safety certificate guide for the third major compliance document most landlords need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both an EPC and an EICR?
Yes, if you are letting a residential property in England, both are separate legal requirements.
Which certificate lasts longer, EPC or EICR?
An EPC is valid for 10 years. An EICR is valid for 5 years.
Does a good EPC rating affect my EICR requirement?
No. They are entirely separate assessments and one does not influence the other.
Do I need an EICR to sell my house even without an EPC issue?
An EICR is not a legal requirement for an owner-occupied sale, but many buyers expect one regardless of the EPC rating.
What is the minimum EPC rating to let a property?
Band E currently, with a proposed rise to Band C expected in the coming years.
Related Reading
This article reflects UK compliance regulations current as of August 2026.