Commercial EPC Rules Have Changed Direction: What Devon Landlords Should Know

Energy performance deserves attention whenever a commercial property is being let, bought or refurbished. For landlords in Devon, the starting point is an accurate understanding of the rules that apply now and the proposals that could affect future plans.

Owners may have encountered older advice suggesting that every rented shop, office and industrial unit must achieve EPC B by 2030. The government’s revised approach means that statement should no longer be treated as a blanket planning assumption.

Whether you own a town-centre shop in Torquay or a larger business premises near Exeter, review the actual building before deciding what work to commission.

What does the latest government update say?

In its interim response of 18 June 2026, the government proposed EPC B from 2031 for privately rented buildings over 1,000 square metres in England and Wales, where improvements are cost effective. Its stated intention is for smaller buildings below that threshold to remain subject to EPC E.

The previously proposed EPC C milestone for 2027 will not proceed. Raising the standard for larger buildings requires secondary legislation, and the detailed application of the size threshold is still to follow.

Owners should distinguish this policy direction from enacted requirements and check for subsequent legislation before relying on a future deadline. Read the government’s interim response.

What applies to commercial landlords now?

The existing non-domestic minimum energy efficiency rules generally prevent landlords from letting, or continuing to let, covered F- or G-rated premises without a valid registered exemption. EPC E remains the current minimum for properties within those rules.

Whether a building or tenancy falls within the regulations, and whether an exemption is available, needs checking. Do not assume that an old building, an existing tenant or an expensive improvement automatically resolves the position. Read the existing government guidance for landlords.

Find the certificate for the space you own

Locate the EPC and its recommendation report. Check the address, the area described and the date of the assessment. Ask whether the documents relate to the premises in their present form.

This matters where buildings have been subdivided, extended or combined. A property file may contain several certificates, older plans or descriptions that no longer match the layout. Clarify those differences before using the paperwork to develop a refurbishment budget.

For mixed-use buildings, explain the arrangement of the commercial space and any accommodation above. Ask your assessor or adviser which assessments are relevant rather than assuming that one certificate covers every part of the site.

Collect evidence of alterations and improvements

Bring together records of lighting, heating, insulation, ventilation and other building services work. Include specifications, maintenance information and relevant drawings where available.

An assessor can explain what evidence is useful and whether a further assessment is appropriate. Tell them about changes made since the existing certificate was prepared. Do not assume that an undocumented improvement has already been reflected in the rating.

The aim is to create a reliable starting point for decisions. A clear record also helps different advisers understand what has been investigated and what remains uncertain.

Consider improvements as part of a wider property plan

Before approving expenditure, consider how the building is likely to be used. Is a tenant staying in occupation? Is a lease approaching its end? Are you planning a sale, a refurbishment or a new letting?

These questions affect the practical programme. Work in occupied premises may require careful arrangements for access and disruption. A vacant period may offer more flexibility, but spending time on improvements also affects the date the space can be offered for occupation.

Ask for options with costs, likely disruption and dependencies explained. If several alterations are contemplated, establish a sensible order so one package of work does not undermine another.

Avoid choosing works from a generic list

Recommendations need to be considered against the actual building and the purpose of the instruction. Explain any known defects, proposed changes or limitations before asking for quotations.

For example, a landlord reviewing an older office might also be considering changes to the internal layout. Discuss the intended arrangement before committing to replacement lighting or heating equipment. For a workshop, the occupier’s use of doors, ventilation and working areas may need to form part of the conversation.

These examples illustrate why individual assessment matters. They are not prescriptions for particular improvements or guarantees of a rating outcome.

Discuss responsibilities before making commitments

Where a tenant is in occupation, identify who is responsible for the relevant parts of the building and what permissions or access arrangements may be needed. Obtain advice on the lease and associated documents rather than relying on an informal understanding.

If you are negotiating a new letting, discuss the relationship between the landlord’s proposed works and the tenant’s fit-out. Record the agreed scope, timing and responsibilities through the appropriate advisers.

Clear arrangements help both parties plan expenditure and reduce uncertainty about what will be ready when occupation begins.

What should Devon landlords do next?

Start with a short review: locate the EPC, confirm which space it covers, assemble improvement records and identify the next significant event for the property. Then obtain advice on the assessment and any work that merits investigation.

Winfields’ commercial agency and surveying teams can discuss how your building, letting plans and wider property objectives fit together, including where specialist energy assessment is needed.

Contact Winfields before your next acquisition, letting or refurbishment to agree the appropriate advice.

Information checked on 30 October 2026. This article concerns commercial premises in England and Wales. Future requirements remain subject to legislation and further guidance.