An energy performance certificate (EPC) is generally required before you can advertise a property for rent in most European countries — check the rules and exemptions that apply where your property is. Upload your certificate during listing creation or at any time from your Personal Dashboard, in the Legal & Documents section. Without it, your listing may be restricted; you are responsible for the legality and accuracy of your listing.
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 generally required before you can advertise a property for rent. Uploading it to your Uniplaces listing helps you meet that requirement and builds tenant trust — energy costs are an important factor for many international students comparing listings.
Is it required in your country?
An EPC is generally required to rent out a property in the countries below. Rules and exemptions vary by region and property type, so always confirm the current requirements with your local authority before listing.
| Country | Requirement | Certificate name |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Generally required — check local rules and exemptions | Certificado Energético (SCE) |
| Spain | Generally required — check local rules and exemptions | Certificado de Eficiencia Energética |
| Italy | Generally required — check local rules and exemptions | Attestato di Prestazione Energetica (APE) |
| Germany | Generally required — check local rules and exemptions | Energieausweis |
| France | Generally required — check local rules and exemptions | Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique (DPE) |
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 are creating a new listing, you will find the document upload section towards the end of the listing form.
What if you don’t have one?
If you do not yet have an EPC, arrange one before you list in a country where it is 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 — the Energieausweis is issued by qualified building energy advisors
- France — the DPE is issued by certified diagnostiqueurs immobiliers
What happens if you don’t upload one?
In countries where an EPC is required, your listing may be restricted or prevented from going live until a valid certificate is uploaded. You are responsible for the legality and accuracy of your listing: Uniplaces does not verify the information you upload unless it expressly says so, and it may remove a listing that is out of date or inaccurate.
Beyond the platform, renting without a valid EPC where one is required may attract fines from local authorities. And if it is not legal for you to let the accommodation, the tenant may claim a full refund of what they paid through Uniplaces — the first rental payment, the service fee and any holding deposit — under the Refund Policy. Keep your certificate up to date — EPCs typically expire after 10 years.
When to contact Uniplaces support
- Your listing is restricted and you have a valid EPC to upload
- Your property is exempt from the EPC requirement and you have documentation to show it
- The Legal & Documents section does not accept your file
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. Confirm the exemption with your local authority, then contact the Uniplaces support team with documentation confirming it and they will note this on your listing.
Can I upload the EPC after my listing is already live?
Yes. A listing is not always restricted for a missing certificate, so if yours is live and you have not yet uploaded an EPC, go to your Personal Dashboard, edit your listing and upload the certificate in the Legal & Documents section. Do this as soon as possible: the legality of your listing is your responsibility, whether or not Uniplaces has restricted it.
Still need help?
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations vary by country and change over time. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional (lawyer, accountant, or tax advisor) in the country where your property is located.