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MEES – Help for Landlords

Guidance on the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations

What is MEES?

The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties.

The Regulations are designed to tackle the least energy-efficient properties in England and Wales – those rated F or G on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The Regulations establish a minimum standard of EPC band E for both domestic and non-domestic private rented property, affecting new tenancies and renewals since 1 April 2018.

This guidance relates to domestic properties only, and is enforced by Local Authorities.

Is your rented property covered by MEES regulations?

If a property is let on any of the following types of domestic tenancies:

  • An assured tenancy
  • A regulated tenancy
  • A domestic agricultural tenancy

And the property is legally required to have an EPC with a rating of F or G, the landlord must take appropriate steps to comply with the requirements of the MEES Regulations.

Why do you need to act?

  • From 1st April 2023, it will be an offence to continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E, unless they have a valid exemption in place – the penalty is between £10,000 – £150,000 per breach based on the value of the property, and details of a breach may be made publicly available.
  • If currently letting a property with an EPC rating of F or G, the landlord must improve the property’s rating to E immediately, or register a valid exemption.
  • It is indicated that the requirements will tighten again, with a requirement of EPC C-rated or higher for new lettings in 2025 (and all lettings in 2027).

What actions can be taken to comply?

Landlords are required to fund improvements to improve the property to EPC E (recommendations are included in the EPC report). However, a cost cap of £3,500 is in place. This means that landlords will not be required to spend more than the cost cap on energy efficiency improvements.

If the property cannot be improved to EPC E for £3,500, all improvements which can be made up to that amount should be made, then the landlord should register an ‘all improvements made’ exemption.

Landlords may also be able to apply for other exemptions. For further information on this, as well as the funding requirements and regulations, please visit the following resources: