EPC rules for landlords in Reading

To let a home in Reading the EPC must be band E or better, unless an exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. Reading council enforces the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard and can fine up to £5,000 per property and publish the breach. From 1 October 2030 the announced standard rises to EPC C level.

How the Reading check works

1. Enter the postcode. Every domestic certificate on the national register for that postcode is listed.
2. Pick the address. The current and potential rating, lodgement and expiry dates come straight from the certificate.
3. The MEES engine returns: lawful to let or not, fine exposure, points below E and C, and the exemption routes worth testing.
4. For £19 (or £39, £59 or £99 for up to 5, 10 or 25 Reading properties) download the dated PDF with the costed plan and exemption wording.

Common Reading situations

• Buying a buy to let: check the certificate from the seller before exchange. A band F or G cannot be let on completion.
• Renewal or new tenancy on an E: legal today, but two bands below the 2030 standard. Cost the works now.
• Solid wall or listed property: the wall insulation and devaluation exemptions may apply. The report tests them.
• No certificate on the register: an EPC is required before marketing. Commission an assessment first.