If you’ve ever dealt with property compliance in the UK, you may have seen both DEC and EPC mentioned in correspondence, listings, or inspection schedules. While they’re often discussed together, they do not serve the same purpose, and they apply to different property types and legal requirements. Understanding the difference can help landlords, homeowners, estate agents, and commercial property owners avoid unnecessary renewals, compliance gaps, or last-minute booking issues. In this guide, we’ll break down what each document is, when you might need it, and how PropCert can help you get the right certification in place.
DEC vs EPC: The key difference in plain English
Both an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) and a DEC (Display Energy Certificate) relate to energy efficiency, but they focus on different buildings and different timeframes. An EPC is primarily about the energy performance of a building and is widely required for sale and rental. A DEC is specifically about displaying a building’s energy performance in certain public buildings, and it’s linked to a “display” obligation rather than transactions. In other words, an EPC is generally about obtaining the certificate for marketing and legal compliance, while a DEC is about showing the energy performance to the public for applicable buildings.
- EPC: Used for energy efficiency rating and commonly required for letting/selling or certain building types and transactions.
- DEC: Required for some buildings where an obligation exists to display energy performance publicly.
What an EPC is used for (and who typically needs one)
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is an assessment that provides an energy efficiency rating for a property, usually expressed as a band from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). For UK landlords and homeowners, EPCs are most commonly associated with selling a property or letting it to tenants. EPCs help buyers and renters understand the building’s energy performance and highlight potential improvements. EPCs also support regulatory compliance, particularly where legislation requires the certificate to be available in advertisements and provided to tenants or buyers.
For landlords and estate agents, the EPC is often one of the first documents requested during compliance checks before a tenancy starts or a property goes on the market. For commercial property owners, EPC requirements can also apply, depending on building use and circumstances. Crucially, EPCs are frequently the document people mean when they say “energy certificate,” because they are broad in scope compared to DEC requirements. If you need an EPC booked quickly or need to ensure your paperwork is valid, PropCert can arrange EPC assessments across the UK.
- EPCs are typically required when renting or selling many properties.
- They must be provided to tenants/buyers and often included in listings.
- EPCs are assessed by a qualified EPC assessor using survey information.
What a DEC is used for (and when it applies)
A DEC (Display Energy Certificate) is designed for certain public buildings and is used to display energy performance. Rather than being mainly a transactional document, it’s focused on public display and ongoing compliance obligations. Historically, DEC requirements have been linked to buildings within scope of the UK’s energy performance display regulations. If your property falls into that category—often involving public-facing uses—you may have to produce a DEC and ensure the display requirement is met.
It’s important to note that DEC rules can be specific, and not every building that “has energy issues” needs a DEC. Many property owners assume they need a DEC simply because they operate a non-domestic building, but in practice the requirement depends on details such as the building type, occupancy, and compliance scope. If you’re unsure whether your building needs a DEC or whether an EPC is the relevant document, professional guidance can prevent delays and incorrect certification.
- DEC relates to displaying energy performance in certain buildings.
- It is typically not the general “rent/sell” certificate people expect.
- Whether a DEC is required depends on whether your building is within scope.
Which document should you get—and how PropCert can help
The easiest way to decide is to start with your building type and your compliance objective: are you letting or selling (most commonly requiring an EPC), or are you operating a building with a duty to display energy performance (potentially requiring a DEC)? However, because the UK has multiple compliance frameworks and exemptions, it’s easy to make costly assumptions. Landlords, managing agents, and commercial owners often benefit from a quick compliance check so they obtain the correct certificate for the correct purpose. At PropCert, we support property professionals and owners across the UK with energy and wider statutory compliance.
While this article focuses on DEC vs EPC, it’s also worth noting that energy documentation rarely exists in isolation. Many landlords and commercial clients need multiple assessments handled together for smoother compliance management. PropCert provides EPCs as well as other core property compliance services, including Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), Gas Safety Certificates (CP12), PAT testing, fire risk assessments, asbestos surveys, and more. If you’re planning new-build compliance, we also offer services such as SAP EPCs, air pressure testing, ventilation testing, and Part O calculations—helping developers and contractors meet regulatory targets from the outset.
- If you’re renting or selling, you will most likely need an EPC.
- If you’re operating an in-scope public building, you may need a DEC.
- If you’re unsure, PropCert can help you confirm what applies and get the right documentation arranged.
Ready to get your compliance right? PropCert.co.uk operates UK-wide and can help you source the correct energy certification and complete any associated compliance inspections. Get in touch to book an EPC or discuss your situation if you suspect a DEC may be required.