Its research showed that tenants were least likely to receive an EPC.
Consumer Focus called on the government to give Trading Standards the power to crack down on people selling or letting properties without an EPC, allowing the body to inspect commercial letting and estate agents to make sure they are using EPCs.
In addition, Consumer Focus’ research found that EPCs influence just 20% of prospective homebuyers or tenants’ decision to buy or let a property.
It said EPCs must be overhauled to offer clearer information on how much money consumers can save by making energy efficient changes and compare the difference in heating bills between properties.
Liz Lainé, energy expert at Consumer Focus, said: “Too many landlords and estate agents are getting away with selling and renting properties to people who have no idea how much heat their new home will leak.
“If prospective buyers and tenants could easily compare how much their energy bills are likely to be in different properties, they could negotiate a price based on their new home’s energy efficiency.”
