Mixed-use buildings
EPC for a Shop with a Flat Above
Usually two certificates, one for the shop and one for the flat. Both arranged in one booking.
One certificate or two?
A shop with a flat above is the standard London high street building, and it causes more confusion about EPCs than anything else. The short answer is usually two. The shop needs a commercial EPC. The flat needs a domestic EPC. They are different certificates, done by different assessors, and one does not cover the other.
The flat needs its own domestic EPC if it is self contained: its own entrance, its own kitchen and bathroom, and it could be lived in on its own. Living space that can only be reached through the shop may be treated as part of the shop instead.
The same applies to a pub with rooms above, or an office with flats on the upper floors.
Energy rating
CO₂ emissions score
- A0 to 25Most efficient
- B26 to 50
- C51 to 75
- D76 to 100
- E101 to 125
- F126 to 150
- G151+Least efficient
Lower scores are better. New commercial buildings typically target B or better. Sub E ratings cannot legally be let under MEES.
What affects the rating
In order of impact. Knowing them helps you prioritise improvements if your rating needs to come up.
Selling the whole building
Two certificatesBoth. A commercial EPC for the shop and a domestic EPC for the flat.
Letting the shop only
One certificateA commercial EPC for the shop. The flat is not involved.
Letting the flat only
One certificateA domestic EPC for the flat. The shop is not involved.
Letting both to different tenants
Two certificatesBoth. Each part must also meet its own minimum rating of E.
One lease over the whole building
DependsIf the flat is self contained it still needs its own domestic EPC. If not, the whole building may be treated as commercial. We tell you before you book.
Four mistakes to avoid
We see these on mixed-use buildings all the time.
- Using the flat’s EPC for the shop. A domestic EPC does not cover a shop, and letting on it means a fine of 12.5% of the rateable value.
- Thinking one certificate covers the building. There is no such thing as a mixed-use EPC.
- Forgetting the flat has its own rules. It is a rented home and the domestic minimum rating applies.
- Booking two assessors separately. We do both in one booking with one point of contact.
How Kubo works
Get an instant quote
Pick your service, enter your floor area, and see a fixed price in 60 seconds. Or call 07737 144 836.
Book in seconds
Pay securely online or over the phone. We confirm your slot the same day, often within the hour.
Certified in days
We contact you to schedule the visit, then complete your order as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need one EPC or two for a shop with a flat above?
Usually two. A commercial EPC for the shop and a domestic EPC for the flat, as long as the flat has its own entrance. If you are only selling or letting one part, you only need the certificate for that part.
Can I use the flat’s EPC to let the shop?
No. A domestic EPC does not cover a shop. Letting the shop without a commercial EPC can mean a fine of 12.5% of the rateable value, with a minimum of £500.
The flat can only be reached through the shop. Is it still a flat?
Maybe not. If it has no entrance of its own and is part of the same lease as the shop, the assessor may treat the whole building as commercial. Describe the layout and we will confirm.
Can you do both in one visit?
We arrange both in one booking with one point of contact. The two assessments are done by different assessors, so they may be separate visits, but we book them together wherever we can.
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