EPC Exemptions: When and How to Get Exempt from EPC Regulations

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a legal requirement for both domestic and commercial properties when being constructed, converted, sold and rented. There are however some situations where a property will be exempt from normal EPC regulations.

This article explains the different circumstances where a property may be exempt, as well as how long exemptions last and what you need to do if your property is exempt.

Commercial EPC Exemption

Commercial properties may be exempt from needing an EPC for sale if they are:

A place of worship
A temporary structure with a planned use of 2 years or less
A property with a usable floor space of 50m² of less and is detached (no wall touching a wall of another building).
A property with a demolition order in place

The government also stated that there is an exemption for “Low energy demand properties” like agricultural barns, yet have never specified what “low energy demand” is classed as and as such this exemption is not one that can currently be applied.

Listed buildings are required to have an EPC for sale and rental, however due to the limitations of the improvement works that can be carried out on them, they may meet the criteria for a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) exemption. MEES exemptions allow landlords to rent properties that do not meet the current EPC rating required by MEES, however to apply for a MEES exemption the property must have an EPC.

Domestic EPC Exemption

The only properties exempt from requiring an EPC for sale are listed buildings.

How to Apply for an EPC Exemption

Unlike MEES exemptions, you do not have to apply for an EPC exemption. There is no register for EPC exemptions, however when questioned the building owner will have to be able to prove that no EPC is required.

How Long Does an EPC Exemption Last?

As there is no need to register an EPC exemption there is no expiry for EPC exemptions. However, if regulations change so that a property which was previously exempt needs an EPC, the building owner will have to arrange this in time for whatever deadline is set.