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For Renters

Rent smarter.

Check the energy rating and estimated costs of a rental before you sign. The cheapest rent isn't always the cheapest home.

Area Energy Performance panel showing a postcode's average EPC rating, typical yearly energy costs and property types

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 the Area

Average EPC rating, typical energy costs, and the property mix for the postcode you're moving to.

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 how green your local electricity grid is: carbon intensity and generation mix for your area, season by season.

Compare rentals side by side

A cheaper rent with a bad EPC can cost more overall. Put your shortlist next to each other before you sign.

Property comparison table ranking three sample addresses on energy score, EPC rating and carbon intensity
Save the rentals you're considering and compare them on energy score, EPC rating, solar potential and grid data at a glance.

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.

Official Energy Performance Certificate showing a current rating of C and a potential rating of B on the A to G scale
The report shows the official certificate: the current rating, the potential rating, and the improvements that would bring it up to standard.

See what's been improved

The property's full EPC history shows what the landlord has upgraded over the years, and what hasn't changed.

EPC history for a sample property showing rating improvements and upgrades like a heat pump and solar water heating across its assessments
Every assessment since the first certificate: rating changes, heating and insulation upgrades, and the estimated savings they brought.

Check the local grid

See how green the electricity in your new area is, season by season, before you move.

Generation mix by season for a local area showing renewable percentages and average carbon intensity
Wind, solar, nuclear and gas percentages with average carbon intensity for each of the last four seasons in your local area.

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.

GOV.UK — Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for landlordsScottish Government — Energy efficiency in private rented housing

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.

GOV.UK — Energy Performance CertificatesScottish Government — Energy Performance Certificates

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.

Energy Saving Trust — Home insulation

Check the energy costs before you sign.

See a sample reportView pricing plans

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