Commercial compliance across the UK
Commercial EPCs
An Energy Performance Certificate for your commercial property. Get the assessment you need to sell, let or meet your building’s energy obligations.
Commercial landlords, owners, agents and property managers
When do you need it?
- Usually required when commercial premises are sold, let or newly constructed, subject to exemptions.
- Rates building energy performance from A to G and is valid for 10 years.
- Privately rented non-domestic properties in scope generally need a minimum E rating, unless a registered exemption applies.
What’s included
- On-site non-domestic energy assessment
- Energy rating and certificate lodgement
- Clear explanation of your certificate and next steps
Quotes reflect your building’s size, complexity and assessment requirements. Share your details and deadline so we can confirm the scope.
Compliance guide
Commercial EPCs and minimum energy standards explained
This guide covers the rules for England and Wales. Rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland differ — tell us where your building is and we will confirm what applies.
What is a commercial EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate rates how energy efficient a building is, using grades from A to G, with A the most efficient.
When you need one
You must have an EPC if:
- you rent out or sell the premises
- a building under construction is finished
- there are changes to the number of parts used for separate occupation, and these changes involve providing or extending fixed heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems
How long it lasts
All EPCs are valid for 10 years.
Penalties
You can be fined between £500 and £5,000, based on the rateable value of the building, if you do not make an EPC available to any prospective buyer or tenant.
When you must display it
You must fix the EPC to your commercial building if all of these apply:
- the total useful floor area is over 500 square metres
- the building is frequently visited by the public
- an EPC has already been produced for the building’s sale, rental or construction
The minimum E rating for landlords
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard, landlords of privately rented non-domestic property may only grant, extend or renew a tenancy if the property has at least an EPC E rating, unless a valid exemption is registered. From 1 April 2023 this applies to all privately rented non-domestic properties, even where there has been no change in tenancy.
- Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
- Enforcement authorities can serve compliance notices and issue financial penalties for letting in breach of the Regulations, or for registering false or misleading information.
- If your property is empty and you are not planning to let it, you do not need to take action.
Exemptions
You do not need an EPC if you can show the building is any of the following:
- listed or officially protected, and the minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter it
- a temporary building only going to be used for 2 years or less
- used as a place of worship or for other religious activities
- an industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that does not use much energy
- a detached building with a total floor space under 50 square metres
- due to be demolished by the seller or landlord, with all the relevant planning and conservation consents
Not sure what applies to your building?
Send us your details and we’ll confirm the scope with your quote.
Get my quoteSources
- GOV.UK: Energy Performance Certificates for your business premises
- GOV.UK: Non-domestic private rented property minimum standard — landlord guidance
This guide summarises official guidance and is not legal advice.
The details, made clear
Commercial compliance questions.
General guidance for England. Requirements and exemptions depend on your building and circumstances.