An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property’s energy efficiency. Landlords in England & Wales generally need to provide a valid EPC to tenants before they rent the property.

Impact on Section 21:

• Failure to provide a valid EPC (usually rated E or above, unless exempt) to the tenant before the tenancy began generally invalidates a Section 21 notice.
• You must have given them the certificate itself, not just shown them the rating.

Section 8 & Scotland:

• While providing an EPC is still a legal requirement generally, failure typically doesn’t invalidate a Section 8 notice in England/Wales or a Notice to Leave in Scotland in the same direct way it affects Section 21. However, overall landlord compliance is always advisable.

Takeaway: For Section 21 eligibility, ensuring you provided the EPC at the start is non-negotiable. Check your records carefully.

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