In the UK, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is often required whenever a property is built, rented, or advertised for sale. However, not every property falls under the EPC rules in the same way. Understanding what is exempt from an EPC can help landlords, homeowners, and estate agents avoid unnecessary costs, delays, or compliance risk. This guide explains the main EPC exemptions and what you should consider before assuming a property is exempt.
At PropCert.co.uk, we support UK-wide property owners and agents with EPCs and related compliance services, including EICRs, Gas Safety Certificates (CP12), PAT testing, fire risk assessments, asbestos surveys, and more. If you’re unsure whether a property needs an EPC—or you need help meeting EPC requirements for a listing or tenancy—our team can help you navigate the process confidently.
EPC basics: when an EPC is usually needed
An EPC measures the energy efficiency and typical energy costs of a building, then rates it from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). EPCs are typically required for properties sold or privately rented in England, Wales, and Scotland, and the requirements can vary slightly depending on circumstances and local rules. In many cases, an EPC is required before marketing begins, and it must be commissioned by an approved Domestic Energy Assessor or non-domestic assessor depending on the property type. The key point is that EPCs are rules-driven—so the best approach is to check whether the property meets a formal exemption rather than assuming it does.
What types of properties can be exempt from an EPC
There are several situations where a property may be exempt from needing an EPC. Some exemptions relate to the type of building, some relate to how it is used, and others relate to its expected energy characteristics or feasibility of assessment. Below are the most common categories that people ask about. If your property seems to fit one of these categories, it’s still important to document the basis for the exemption in case questions arise during a sale, rental, or inspection process.
- Temporary buildings and certain short-term uses – Some properties used temporarily or for short-term stays may fall outside EPC requirements.
- Buildings intended for demolition – Where a building is clearly intended to be demolished, it may be exempt, subject to specific conditions being met.
- Places of worship – Certain places of worship may be exempt from EPC requirements.
- Very low-energy impact/technical constraints – Some properties can be excluded where carrying out an EPC is not practical or would not provide meaningful information.
- Some standalone industrial buildings – Depending on their use and characteristics, certain industrial assets may qualify for exemptions.
Because exemptions are not “one-size-fits-all,” the wording and eligibility can depend on the exact property category and how it is classified. For example, a “temporary” exemption may require evidence of intended duration, and a demolition-related exemption usually depends on the demolition timeline and related documentation.
EPC exemptions for rentals and sales: what people often miss
Many landlords and estate agents run into EPC issues when a property is marketed for sale or when a tenancy is granted. Even when a building looks like it might be excluded, the legal requirement often hinges on the circumstances—such as whether the property is being marketed, the nature of the tenancy, and the building’s category. In practice, the easiest way to reduce risk is to confirm whether an exemption applies before you list the property or sign the agreement. If it doesn’t, commissioning an EPC quickly can prevent delays later in the process.
Common scenarios where people inquire about EPC exemptions include:
- Unoccupied or rarely occupied properties – Lack of occupation doesn’t automatically remove the obligation to have an EPC, but the property’s classification may matter.
- Special-purpose buildings – Buildings designed for specific uses can sometimes fall under a different EPC approach.
- Change of use or minor alterations – Some exemptions may not apply if the property is treated as a normal dwelling for EPC purposes.
If you’re dealing with tenants, vacant possession, or estate-agency marketing timelines, it’s worth aligning the compliance workflow early. PropCert.co.uk can help you plan ahead by advising what documentation you may need and whether commissioning an EPC is the safest route.
How PropCert.co.uk can help—EPCs and wider property compliance
If you’re trying to figure out whether a property is exempt from an EPC, the most important step is getting the eligibility checked using the property’s actual facts—not just assumptions. Our team can support landlords, homeowners, and agents with EPC requirements and, where relevant, help ensure your wider compliance package is in order too. Energy performance is only one part of property compliance, and many landlords prefer a “single point of contact” approach to inspections and certificates.
Beyond EPCs, PropCert.co.uk provides services across the UK including Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), Gas Safety Certificates (CP12), PAT testing, fire risk assessments, asbestos surveys, and new-build compliance such as SAP EPCs, air pressure testing, ventilation testing, and Part O calculations. That means if you’re moving a property through sale, letting, or refurbishment, we can help reduce the risk of missing a requirement.
If you’d like help determining whether your property needs an EPC—or you want to arrange compliance inspections across multiple areas—contact PropCert.co.uk. We’ll guide you toward the right next step for your property type and situation.
