EPC exemptions for rented homes
EPC exemptions cover homes in England and Wales rated below band E. You can keep letting one once the government register lists your exemption. Most last 5 years.
The EPC exemptions you can use now
The landlord guidance sets out six of them. An EPC exemption starts to apply on the day you register it, and every one needs proof.
| Exemption | When it fits | How long |
|---|---|---|
| All relevant improvements made | You have made each improvement that was recommended, at a cost of up to £3,500, or no improvement is possible, and the home still rates below E. | 5 years |
| High cost | The cheapest recommended measure still costs over £3,500 including VAT | 5 years |
| Wall insulation | An expert says wall insulation would harm the building, and it is the only measure left | 5 years |
| Third-party consent | A person whose permission you need, like your tenant or the planners, refused | 5 years, or until that tenancy ends when the tenant was the one who refused |
| Property devaluation | The value would drop by more than 5% because of the work | 5 years |
| New landlord | You recently became the landlord | 6 months |
Proof to upload for each exemption
Your details, the exemption type and the property address are needed for every exemption (landlord guidance). After that, add the proof for your own exemption:
- All relevant improvements made: set out each job, with its install date.
- High cost: 3 quotes from qualified installers, with the cheapest measure priced over £3,500.
- Wall insulation: a relevant expert's written opinion.
- Third-party consent: letters or decisions that show a refusal after you asked.
- Devaluation: a report by an independent surveyor who is on the RICS register of valuers, the list of chartered surveyors.
- New landlord: the date you took over, and how it came about.
EPC exemption register: how to apply
Its official name is the PRS Exemptions Register, and PRS stands for private rented sector. The government's sign-in service, GOV.UK One Login, is what you use to sign in.
- Sign in with One Login, or create an account.
- Put in the property's address.
- Pick the exemption you want.
- Add your evidence by uploading it. Image files, Word and PDF all work, up to 20 MB per file (landlord guidance).
The register's public search
The register is public: anyone can search it by postcode, by street and town, or by landlord name. You can see why a home was registered as exempt, and when. Ending the exemption is possible from your account once the home is improved to E.
Is there an EPC exemption listed building owners can use?
An EPC may not be needed at all for a listed building. This applies if the building's character or appearance would be unacceptably altered by the work needed to meet minimum energy standards (GOV.UK).
Homes that legally need an EPC are the only ones the band E rule covers. So the rule does not apply where no EPC is needed. If you're unsure, ask the conservation officer at your council, and read EPCs for listed buildings.
2030: the planned exemption changes
For the band C standard, the government response confirms these changes. New law is still needed before they take effect.
- Cost cap: for homes that are still short after £10,000 of work. It lasts for 10 years.
- Property value adjustment: a lower cap of 10% of value applies to homes worth under £100,000.
- Negative impacts: one exemption replacing those for devaluation and wall insulation, valid for 10 years too.
- Solid wall insulation: takes the place of the wall insulation exemption.
- New landlord: for anyone who takes on sitting tenants, the grace period is simpler, at 6 months.
Exemptions left unchanged
The high cost and third-party consent exemptions are unchanged. For the full picture for landlords, see the landlord guide.
Common questions about EPC exemptions
How long is an exemption valid?
Most last 5 years. A tenant consent exemption can end with the tenancy, while the new landlord one runs for 6 months.
Can I let a home that's rated F or G?
Only if a valid exemption is on the register. If not, you must raise the rating to E before a new tenancy, or right away if the home is let now.
When an exemption ends, what happens next?
You must try again to get the home up to E. If that still can't be done, you may register another exemption.
Do false exemption details carry a fine?
Yes. A council can fine you as much as £1,000 and can also publish the breach.
Is my exemption visible to anyone?
Yes. The public register names the property, gives the date it was registered and states why it was exempt.