An energy performance certificate (EPC) is required to list in most European countries. Upload your certificate during listing creation or from your dashboard at any time.
What is an energy performance certificate (EPC)?
An energy performance certificate (EPC) is an official document that rates a property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It assesses insulation, heating systems, windows, and other energy-related factors.
In most European countries, an EPC is legally required before you can advertise a property for rent. Uploading it to your Uniplaces listing keeps you compliant and builds tenant trust — energy costs are an important factor for many international students when comparing listings.
Is it required in your country?
| Country | Required to rent? | Certificate name |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Yes — mandatory | Certificado Energético (SCE) |
| Spain | Yes — mandatory | Certificado de Eficiencia Energética |
| Italy | Yes — mandatory | Attestato di Prestazione Energetica (APE) |
| Germany | Yes — mandatory | Energieausweis |
| France | Yes — mandatory | Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique (DPE) |
Requirements may vary by region and property type. Always confirm the current rules with your local authority before listing.
How to upload your EPC to Uniplaces
- Log in and go to your Personal Dashboard
- Select the listing you want to update
- Click Edit listing
- Navigate to the Legal & Documents section
- Upload your EPC document — accepted formats are PDF and JPG
- Click Save changes
You can also upload your EPC during the initial listing creation process. If you’re creating a new listing, you’ll find the document upload section towards the end of the listing form.
What if you don’t have one?
If you don’t yet have an EPC, you’ll need to arrange one before your listing can go live in countries where it’s required. Contact a certified energy assessor in your country to arrange the assessment. The process typically takes one visit from the assessor and a few days for the certificate to be issued.
- Portugal — certified assessors are registered with ADENE (adene.pt)
- Spain — contact a certified technician registered with your regional authority
- Italy — APE certificates are issued by certified energy technicians (certificatori energetici)
- Germany — Energieausweis is issued by qualified building energy advisors
- France — DPE is issued by certified diagnostiqueurs immobiliers
What happens if you don’t upload one?
In countries where an EPC is legally required, your listing may be restricted or prevented from going live until a valid certificate is uploaded. Uniplaces cannot publish listings that don’t meet local legal requirements.
Beyond platform requirements, renting without a valid EPC in countries where it’s mandatory can result in fines from local authorities. Keep your certificate up to date — EPCs typically expire after 10 years.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an EPC valid for?
In most European countries, an EPC is valid for 10 years. Check the expiry date on your certificate and arrange a renewal before it expires to avoid any disruption to your listing.
Does the EPC rating affect my booking requests?
It can — tenants increasingly check energy ratings when comparing listings, as a higher rating typically means lower utility bills. A good EPC rating (A or B) can be a positive selling point, especially for listings where bills are not included.
What if my property is exempt from the EPC requirement?
Some property types may be exempt — for example, certain protected historic buildings. If your property is exempt, contact the Uniplaces support team with documentation confirming the exemption and they’ll note this on your listing.
Can I upload the EPC after my listing is already live?
Yes — if your listing is already live but you haven’t uploaded an EPC, go to your dashboard, edit your listing and upload the certificate in the Legal & Documents section. You should do this as soon as possible to maintain compliance.
Still need help?
Contact our landlord support team →