EPC Certificate UK

EPC Exemptions for Landlords: When You Don't Have to Reach EPC C

Complete guide to EPC exemptions for landlords — cost cap, listed buildings, consent exemptions, temporary relief, and how to register on the PRS Exemptions Register.

While most rental properties must achieve EPC C by October 2030, limited exemptions are available for landlords who cannot meet this requirement. All exemptions must be registered on the official PRS Exemptions Register and are subject to strict evidence requirements.

⚠️ Important: Exemptions are not automatic. You must actively apply and provide evidence. Failure to register valid exemptions can still result in fines up to £30,000.

Full List of Valid EPC Exemptions

The government confirmed six main categories of exemptions in their 2026 response. Each has specific requirements and duration limits:

1. Cost Cap Exemption

The most common exemption, available when you cannot achieve EPC C despite spending your full cost cap.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Spent full cost cap: £10,000 (or 10% of property value if under £100,000)
  • Still below EPC C: After completing all cost-effective improvements
  • Professional assessment: Confirming no further measures would be cost-effective
  • Spending from 1 October 2025: All qualifying expenditure from this date counts

Required Evidence

  • Three quotes for all recommended improvements
  • Invoices and receipts proving expenditure
  • Before and after EPCs showing improvement attempts
  • Assessor report confirming no further cost-effective measures available
  • Property valuation (if claiming proportional cap for sub-£100k properties)

Duration and Renewal

  • Valid for 5 years from registration date
  • Must reapply before expiry with updated evidence
  • New assessment required (technology and costs may have changed)

2. Temporary Exemption (New Landlord)

Short-term relief for landlords who have recently acquired a property.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Recently acquired property through inheritance, repossession, or purchase
  • Property below EPC C when acquired
  • Could not reasonably have known about energy efficiency before acquisition
  • Applied within reasonable time of discovering the issue

Duration

  • 6 months maximum from registration
  • Non-renewable - must achieve compliance or alternative exemption by expiry
  • Single use per property per ownership

Official Resources