Updated: 29 September 2026. If a privately rented home is covered by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) and is rated F or G, the landlord normally needs to improve it to at least EPC E or register a valid exemption before relying on that exemption.
The important point is that an exemption is not simply a note in the landlord’s file. It must be supported by the correct evidence and registered on the official Private Rented Sector Exemptions Register.
What EPC exemptions are available to domestic landlords?
- all relevant improvements made exemption
- high-cost exemption
- wall insulation exemption
- third-party consent exemption
- property devaluation exemption
- temporary exemption for certain recent landlords
Each exemption has its own eligibility test and evidence requirements. A landlord should not assume that a difficult or expensive improvement automatically creates an exemption.
What evidence is needed for a high-cost exemption?
The domestic high-cost exemption applies where even the cheapest recommended energy-efficiency measure would cost more than the current £3,500 including VAT cost cap.
Current GOV.UK guidance requires evidence including:
- three quotes from qualified installers for the cheapest recommended measure
- written confirmation that the landlord is satisfied the measure would cost more than £3,500 including VAT
The evidence should relate to the relevant recommended improvement and property, rather than generic estimates found online.
What is the all relevant improvements made exemption?
This exemption can apply where the landlord has completed the relevant recommended improvements up to the cost cap but the property still remains below EPC E, or where there are no relevant improvements that can be made.
The landlord may need to provide details of the improvements completed, including installation dates, and a supporting report where the improvement recommendations were taken from a source other than the EPC itself.
What evidence is needed for the wall insulation exemption?
If the only relevant improvements are cavity wall, external wall or internal wall insulation and a suitable expert advises that the measure would negatively affect the fabric or structure of the property or building, a wall-insulation exemption may be available.
The key evidence is the written opinion of an appropriate expert explaining why the recommended insulation measure would have a negative impact.
How does the third-party consent exemption work?
Some improvements require permission from another party, such as a tenant, freeholder, superior landlord, mortgagee or planning authority.
If the landlord has made reasonable efforts to obtain the required consent but it is refused, or granted subject to a condition that cannot reasonably be met, an exemption may apply.
Evidence can include:
- letters or emails requesting consent
- written refusal from a tenant or freeholder
- planning decision notices
- documents showing conditions attached to consent
If lack of tenant consent is the basis of the exemption, the exemption can end when the relevant tenancy ends or is assigned.
What evidence is needed for a property devaluation exemption?
This exemption requires evidence that installing the relevant energy-efficiency measure would reduce the property’s market value, or the value of the building it forms part of, by more than 5%.
The landlord needs a report from an independent surveyor who is on the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) register of valuers.
How long do EPC exemptions last?
Many domestic MEES exemptions last for five years. After expiry, the landlord must reassess the property and either bring it up to the required standard or register a new exemption where the criteria are still met.
The temporary exemption for certain circumstances where someone has recently become a landlord lasts six months. Some consent-related exemptions can end earlier depending on the tenancy circumstances.
Does an exemption apply automatically once the evidence exists?
No. GOV.UK states that an exemption must be registered before the landlord can rely on it. The exemption applies from the point it is registered.
The official service requires the property address, landlord details, a valid EPC and the supporting evidence relevant to the exemption being claimed.
See the official PRS energy standards exemption service and the domestic MEES landlord guidance.
Does an exemption transfer when a property is sold?
Landlords should not assume that an exemption attached to a property automatically protects a future owner. The new owner should review the current register position and their own obligations before continuing to let the property.
Common EPC exemption mistakes
- assuming high cost without obtaining the required quotes
- registering incomplete or generic evidence
- relying on an exemption before it is registered
- forgetting the exemption expiry date
- failing to revisit consent after a tenancy changes
- confusing an EPC exemption with an exemption from needing an EPC at all
EPC and MEES support in London
Primelinks Solutions helps landlords, agents and property managers coordinate EPC assessments and understand the compliance steps around MEES across London.
- See our EPC service.
- Explore our EPC service.
- Read the EPC & MEES Guide.
- See EPC Requirements for London Landlords in 2026 and 2030.
- For expired certificates, read EPC Expired During a Tenancy.
- For multiple properties, use landlord compliance packs.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord simply declare an EPC exemption?
No. A qualifying exemption needs the required supporting evidence and must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register before it can be relied on.
How many quotes are needed for the high-cost exemption?
Current domestic guidance requires three quotes from qualified installers for the cheapest recommended measure.
How long does a typical MEES exemption last?
Many exemptions last five years, although some have different end points, such as certain tenant-consent situations and temporary recent-landlord exemptions.
Can an F or G property be let once a valid exemption is registered?
Where the property is within scope and the exemption is validly registered, the landlord can rely on that exemption for the period and circumstances for which it applies.
Need EPC support for a London rental property?
Use Get a Quote and provide the property address, current EPC rating, expiry date and any improvement recommendations already received.
This article provides general information and is not legal or energy-assessment advice. Exemption eligibility depends on the property and supporting evidence.