Exemptions

When you can't reach C, an exemption protects you. If you register it properly.

Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register with evidence. Under the new rules they last 10 years.

PRS Exemptions Register Ask about your property

Short answer

If a rented home cannot reach the minimum standard, a landlord can register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register. The main routes are the cost cap (£10,000, or 10% of value under £100,000), wall insulation, consent, devaluation and new landlord. Under the 2030 rules most exemptions last 10 years.

Updated 18 September 2026 · By the MEES Solutions team at My Home Survey Ltd, accredited EPC assessors and PAS 2035 retrofit coordinators

Types of exemption

Six routes, and the evidence each one needs.

Cost cap (high-cost)

£10,000 spent, still not C

Where you have spent up to the cap on recommended measures and the property still falls short. Under the new rules this lasts 10 years.

Keep invoices for every measure from 1 October 2025
Get a post-works EPC
Register before the deadline

Low-value property

Cap limited to 10% of value

Homes valued under £100,000 only need to spend 10% of their value. A £75,000 flat has a £7,500 cap.

Keep an independent valuation
Record the date of valuation
Spend in the order the EPC recommends

Wall insulation

Wall insulation is unsuitable

Where a qualified expert confirms cavity, external or internal wall insulation would damage the fabric or structure.

Written opinion from an independent installer or surveyor
Covers wall measures only; do the rest
Retrofit assessments help here

Consent

Permission refused

Where you need consent from a tenant, lender, freeholder or planning authority and it has been refused or granted with unreasonable conditions.

Keep the written refusal
Listed buildings and conservation areas are common cases
Try alternative measures first

Devaluation

Works would cut value by 5%+

Where an independent RICS surveyor confirms a measure would reduce the property's market value by more than 5%.

Needs a RICS valuation report
Applies measure by measure
Rarely used; take advice

New landlord

6-month grace period

If you have just become the landlord through certain circumstances, for example taking over a property with a tenant in place, a temporary exemption may apply.

Lasts 6 months
Start planning straight away
Register it on the PRS Exemptions Register

Evidence file

What to keep, from today.

EPCs

The pre-works EPC and a post-works EPC showing the result.

Invoices

Every invoice from 1 October 2025, showing measures, address and VAT.

Quotes

At least three quotes for measures you couldn't afford within the cap.

Letters

Written refusals from tenants, freeholders, lenders or planning.

Expert reports

Wall insulation opinions or RICS valuations where relevant.

Photos

Before and after photos of installed measures.

Questions

Common questions

How long does an exemption last?

Under the 2030 rules, 10 years for most exemptions. Currently most last 5 years. The new landlord exemption lasts 6 months.

Do exemptions transfer when I sell?

No. Exemptions belong to the landlord, not the property. A new owner must register their own.

Where do I register?

On the government's PRS Exemptions Register, with supporting evidence.

Sources

Checked 18 September 2026. Regulations can change: always confirm on GOV.UK.

Keep reading

Cost cap calculatorThe most you'll have to spend.MEES penaltiesFines up to £30,000 and how councils enforce.Upgrade guideThe measures, costs and order of works.EPC C by 2030The full rules, in plain English.

Not sure you qualify?

Start with an up-to-date EPC: every exemption relies on it.

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