Rent smarter.
Check the energy rating and estimated costs of a rental before you sign. The cheapest rent isn't always the cheapest home.
Check Before You Rent
See the EPC rating and modelled energy costs for any property, so you can factor efficiency into your budget before signing a lease.
Know Your Rights
Landlords have legal obligations around energy efficiency. If your rental has a poor EPC rating, your landlord may be required to make improvements.
Spot Cold Homes
Low EPC ratings often mean poor insulation and draughty rooms. Check the rating to avoid a home that's expensive to heat.
Lower Your Footprint
See the carbon intensity of your local electricity grid and find the greenest time to use energy in your area.
How Postcode Energy helps renters
The platform features that matter most for your situation.
Energy reports
Check the EPC rating and estimated energy costs for any rental — so you can budget for bills realistically before you sign a lease.
Saved properties
Save rentals you’re considering and come back to compare their energy data as you narrow down your options. Useful when juggling multiple viewings.
Property comparison
Basic+A cheaper rent with a poor EPC can cost more overall. Compare estimated running costs across rentals to find the genuinely cheapest place to live.
Live grid data
See real-time carbon intensity for your area and find the greenest, cheapest times to run appliances — a simple way to reduce bills without changing anything.
EPC history
Plus+Check whether the property’s efficiency has changed over time. A declining rating could signal deferred maintenance — something worth asking the landlord about.
Compare rentals on running costs
A cheaper rent with a bad EPC can cost more overall than a slightly pricier, well-insulated home.
Our reports show estimated annual energy costs so you can calculate the true monthly cost of living, rent plus energy, for each place you're considering.
If you're in a rental with a low rating, you may be able to request improvements. Our reports clearly show the current rating and what improvements would bring it up to standard.
Understand the EPC minimum standard
Landlords have legal obligations around energy efficiency standards. A poor EPC rating can mean your landlord is required to make improvements.
Check the local environment
Air quality and grid carbon intensity data for the area you're considering.
Moving to a new area? Check what the environment is actually like beyond the listing photos. We pull data from DEFRA and other official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord rent out a property with a low EPC?
Landlords across Great Britain have obligations around energy efficiency, though the rules vary by nation. In England and Wales, properties must meet a minimum EPC standard — landlords are expected to make improvements unless they have a valid exemption. Scotland has its own standards. If you think your landlord isn't meeting their obligations, you can speak to your local council.
Should I ask for the EPC before signing a lease?
Yes. Landlords are legally required to provide the EPC to prospective tenants before a lease is signed. If they haven't, ask for it, and check it on Postcode Energy to understand what the rating means for your bills.
Can I request energy improvements as a tenant?
You can ask your landlord to make improvements, especially if the property doesn't meet minimum standards. For properties rated E or above, it's at the landlord's discretion, but many will consider cost-effective improvements like draught-proofing or smart thermostats.
How much difference does an EPC rating make to bills?
It can be significant. According to the Energy Saving Trust, homes with lower EPC ratings generally cost substantially more to heat. Over a year, the difference between a well-insulated and a poorly insulated home can be hundreds of pounds in extra energy bills, money that could offset slightly higher rent for a better-rated property. These are general estimates — actual costs will vary and you should do your own research before making decisions.
Check the energy costs before you sign.
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