{"id":3182,"date":"2024-02-05T12:51:08","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T12:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/?post_type=insight&p=3182"},"modified":"2025-05-27T10:58:02","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T10:58:02","slug":"regulamentos-epc-para-propriedades-comerciais-2025","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/pt\/percepcoes\/regulamentos-epc-para-propriedades-comerciais-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"EPC Regulations for Commercial Properties (2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starting from 1st April 2023, in accordance with government proposals, all leased commercial properties are required to maintain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above. Failure to meet this standard may subject property owners and landlords to sanctions under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Regulations (MEES).
<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minimum EPC Rating and Future Standards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By 2027, the EPC standard is set to rise to C, with the minimum requirement increasing to B by 2030. Currently, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards prevent landlords of commercial properties in England and Wales from granting new leases unless they have an EPC rating of E or higher.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fines for EPC Standards Non-compliance <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Non-compliance with these regulations could lead to various sanctions, including fines of up to \u00a3150,000 for serious breaches, as advised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)<\/a><\/em><\/strong>. These sanctions may also result in the publication of non-compliant landlords on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register, causing reputational damage. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Breaches of less than three months: A fine of 10% of the rateable value, ranging from \u00a35,000 to \u00a350,000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Breaches of more than three months: A fine of 20% of the rateable value, with a minimum of \u00a310,000 and a maximum of \u00a3150,000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

EPC certificates are valid for ten years unless significant changes have been made to the property.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Exemptions for EPC Ratings? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The UK government advise<\/em><\/strong>d<\/a> that landlords will not require an EPC if they are able to demonstrate that the building is any of the following:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Listed or Officially Protected Buildings:<\/strong> The minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter the structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Temporary Buildings:<\/strong> Intended for use for two years or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Places of Worship:<\/strong> Buildings used for religious activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Low-Energy Properties:<\/strong> Industrial sites, workshops, or non-residential agricultural buildings with minimal energy usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Small Detached Buildings:<\/strong> Structures with a total floor space under 50 square meters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Demolition Plans in Place: <\/strong>Buildings slated for demolition, with all necessary planning and conservation consents.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PRS Exemption Registration Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the above exemptions, the new regulations shall also not be applicable if landlords are able to demonstrate the following:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Cost-Effective Improvements:<\/strong> If improvements to the building are not cost-effective, and the rating remains below E.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Market Value Impact:<\/strong> If improvements would devalue the property’s market value by more than 5%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Consent Challenges:<\/strong> If further consent is required, either from the local planning authority or a third party and has been refused for energy improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Six-Month Exemption for New Landlords:<\/strong> For those who have recently become landlords, a beneficial six-month exemption is granted upon purchasing a commercial property. This grace period allows landlords time to enhance the EPC rating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The responsibility rests with the owner to demonstrate the exemption, and one should not presume that any conditions automatically apply. These exemptions hold validity for a duration of five years, and in the event of a property sale, the new owner does not inherit automatic exemption from the prescribed guidelines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can landlords meet the current EPC requirements (2025)?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Landlords can elevate their EPC ratings through the following methods:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Insulation:<\/strong> This can be improved through cladding or refurbishment works which are costly, but the additional insultation will have a significant effect on the EPC rating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Windows, Glazing, and Wall & Roof Insulation<\/strong>: Improve your EPC rating by opting for double or triple glazing, combined with robust insulation for walls and roofs. Minimising heat loss plays a pivotal role in rating improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Lighting:<\/strong> Upgrade to LED or modern fluorescent lighting for improved efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Energy-saving Heating Methods:<\/strong> An inefficient boiler or air-conditioning system can significantly impact your EPC rating. Replace old systems with modern, high-efficiency models to reduce consumption and costs.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To conclude…<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Landlords must assess their property portfolios to ensure compliance with EPC requirements. If the exemptions are not applicable, seeking advice from a surveyor or building consultant is crucial for improving ratings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

EPCs are not merely legal obligations for UK commercial landlords; they also present opportunities to improve energy efficiency, property attractiveness, and value:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Energy-efficient buildings cut utility costs, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Environmentally efficient properties may attract tenants willing to pay higher rent, resulting in higher returns or lower costs for greener properties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Ultimately, landlords can secure a higher overall revenue.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact Our Commercial Real Estate Solicitors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For more information or advice on Commercial Real Estate matters, contact Associate Solicitor Jane Kaprata<\/em><\/strong><\/a> on 020 8138 8129<\/a><\/em><\/strong> or via email at j.kaprata@rfblegal.co.uk<\/em><\/strong>.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Info<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

– News Author:Jane Kaprata<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Landlords must register the above exemptions on the PRS Exemptions Register<\/a>. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n