Liverpool EPC Rules for Landlords & Tenancies

Housing and Building Standards England 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Liverpool, England landlords must follow national Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rules and the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) when letting homes and commercial premises. This guide explains what an EPC is, when it must be provided, how MEES affects new and existing tenancies, and how local enforcement works in Liverpool.

Keep a copy of the current EPC and any valid exemptions when advertising or letting a property.

What is an EPC and who needs one?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a buildings energy efficiency and must be provided to prospective tenants and new occupants. For private rented properties, MEES sets the minimum acceptable EPC rating for most new and existing tenancies; see official guidance for details[1] and how to obtain an EPC[2].

Key landlord responsibilities

  • Provide a valid EPC to tenants at or before the start of a tenancy and supply on request.
  • Ensure the property meets MEES at tenancy grant or renewal unless a valid exemption applies.
  • Keep records of EPCs, improvement works and exemption certificates while the property is rented.
  • Consider cost-effective energy improvements to reach an acceptable rating before marketing the property.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for MEES and EPC-related requirements in Liverpool is carried out by the city council's housing or private rented sector enforcement teams; report concerns via the council enforcement pages listed below. National guidance outlines enforcement powers and civil penalties; specific fine amounts and some penalty details are not specified on the cited Liverpool pages and should be checked on the national guidance page referenced here[1].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited Liverpool page; see national MEES guidance for details[1].
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences procedures are covered in national guidance; Liverpool implements civil penalties and compliance notices under those rules[1].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the council may issue improvement or compliance notices, and may take court action to enforce compliance (details not specified on the cited Liverpool page).
  • Enforcer: Liverpool City Council housing enforcement/private rented sector team (contact via council links in Help and Support / Resources).
  • Appeals and review: national MEES guidance describes appeal routes and reviews; time limits for appeals are detailed in those national documents and are not specified on the cited Liverpool page[1].
  • Defences and discretion: exemptions (for example serious disrepair or cost-effectiveness) are handled under national rules; landlords must retain exemption evidence as described in guidance[1].
Liverpool enforces MEES through its housing standards and private rented sector teams using national enforcement powers.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Letting without an EPC: enforcement action and civil penalties may follow; exact penalties are set out in national guidance[1].
  • Failing to provide an EPC to a prospective tenant: may trigger a compliance notice and penalty.
  • Advertising a property below the required standard without exemption: potential enforcement and orders to remedy.

Applications & Forms

There is no separate Liverpool form for issuing an EPC; EPCs are produced by accredited energy assessors and lodged on the national register. Exemptions and compliance documentation are managed under national MEES rules; specific Liverpool submission routes for complaints or enforcement requests are available on the council pages listed below[3].

How to comply

  • Arrange an EPC with an accredited assessor and keep the certificate on file; register is available via national EPC services[2].
  • If the rating is below the required threshold, obtain quotes and carry out cost-effective improvements or apply for a valid exemption as set out in national guidance.
  • Before marketing, ensure the EPC is provided and any exemption paperwork is ready to present to prospective tenants.
If you receive a compliance notice act quickly and contact the council for clarification on deadlines.

FAQ

Do I need an EPC to let a property in Liverpool?
Yes. Landlords must provide a valid EPC to prospective tenants and meet MEES requirements unless an exemption applies. See national guidance for MEES details[1].
Where do I get an EPC?
Use an accredited energy assessor to produce and lodge the EPC on the national register; guidance on obtaining an EPC is available on the government site[2].
How do I report a landlord who has no EPC or is non-compliant?
Report non-compliance to Liverpool City Councils private rented sector or housing enforcement team via the council reporting pages listed under Help and Support / Resources.

How-To

  1. Check your current EPC and rating; keep a digital and printed copy to give to prospective tenants.
  2. If rating is below required level, get a quote from an accredited assessor for recommended improvements and estimate costs.
  3. Decide whether to make improvements or apply for an exemption using the national MEES guidance; gather and retain evidence.
  4. If contacted by Liverpool City Council about compliance, respond within stated deadlines and follow instructions to remedy or appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • EPCs and MEES are nationally set requirements enforced locally by Liverpool City Council.
  • Keep EPCs and exemption evidence on file and provide them when letting.
  • Contact Liverpools housing enforcement team promptly if you receive a notice or have concerns.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] GOV.UK domestic private rented property minimum energy efficiency standard landlord guidance
  2. [2] GOV.UK Energy Performance Certificates: how to get one
  3. [3] Liverpool City Council private renting advice and reporting

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