How the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can help rent out your home

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document required by French law that provides a systematic and appropriate assessment of the energy performance of homes.

It is essential for property owners who wish to rent out their home, as it provides valuable information on energy efficiency and indoor air quality, in particular the carbon emissions rate.

The EPC can help owners find tenants by presenting their homes in a more professional and credible light.

Thanks to an EPC assessment, they can show their prospective tenants that their house or building is optimised for long-term, environmentally friendly consumption.

To encourage owners to rent out their properties with a much better EPC score, grants and reduced-rate loans may even be offered by some local authorities.

In addition, by having an EPC assessment, owners can offer their prospective tenants several further advantages:

• Benefit from lower energy bills
• Lower maintenance costs, as certain equipment such as the boiler room or generator can be replaced with less energy-hungry versions
• Better indoor air quality, as the EPC helps address issues of contamination and air renewal
• Better acoustic insulation, as the walls and windows can be considerably improved.

The EPC is essential for owners who wish to rent out their homes.

It provides reliable information on the energy performance of their property, as well as on its ability to deliver optimal indoor air quality and lower maintenance costs.

The benefits for tenants are considerable and help make a home more attractive.

Does renting out a home require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

Yes, renting out a home requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

When putting a property up for rent, the landlord is required to provide an EPC to inform the tenant about the home's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

This document must be provided to the tenant when the lease is signed. The EPC must therefore be carried out as soon as the rental listing is published.

The EPC is required for:

• unfurnished or furnished residential leases (including tied accommodation and mobility leases);
• business leases (professional, commercial, short-term leases, etc.).

The Energy Performance Certificate is required for all rentals of properties located in mainland France. In the overseas territories, it will gradually come into force by 1 July 2024; an Energy Performance Certificate has already been introduced in Guadeloupe and Martinique.

However, the EPC does not need to be provided in the case of a rural lease or a seasonal rental agreement.

What points should be taken into account when carrying out an EPC?

The process of carrying out an EPC is crucial to obtaining an accurate and reliable result. It begins with a descriptive survey of the building to estimate its emissions and energy consumption.

Several points need to be taken into account, such as:

• air treatment,
• lighting,
• joinery,
• heat distribution,
• ventilation and air-conditioning systems, among others.
• Finally, this diagnostic ends with the presentation of the results and a graphical display.

To carry out this diagnostic, it is essential to call on a qualified professional. Several professionals are authorised to carry out an EPC, such as technicians who combine specific training with accreditation from Afnor, the body regulating EPCs.

You will need to check the prices offered, the turnaround times, the level of experience and the quality of the service provided. You must then make sure that the final EPC report complies with the applicable standards and that you receive the corresponding invoice.

Where to find a professional to carry out an EPC?

You can consult listing sites specialising in EPCs or the official portal that lists all certified assessors. You can also use any search engine and find an assessor who carries out EPCs remotely, in your town or in any neighbouring areas. 

Among the criteria to consider when finding a qualified professional are:

• Specialisation (making sure the professional holds an EPC or ACQEI certification)
• Geographical proximity
• The reputation of the services offered
• The cost of the visit
• The assessor's experience and qualifications
• References regarding regulatory checkpoints
• References validated by certification bodies (where available)

Many assessors offer services at prices that are not always very competitive.

It is therefore advisable to make enquiries with several professionals and compare their offers in order to choose one, taking into account the relevant criteria mentioned above.

When making your choice, compare prices and check reviews from previous clients to make sure the recommended professional can properly meet your request for an effective Energy Performance Certificate that will allow your tenants to breathe more easily and live in a healthier indoor environment.

Get an estimate of the price of your EPC with RITMO-Diag using our online EPC calculator.