Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
Legislation came into effect in April 2018, initially introduced as The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Sector) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, but which has had alterations made since, laying down minimum EPC ratings or properties that are rented out.
This is known as MEES, or the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards legislation.
The current effect of MEES is that since 1st April 2020, landlords can no longer let or continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating less than E (i.e. either an F or G rating) unless they have a valid exemption in place.
More recently, this EPC rating requirement was due to be increased in severity in 2025 to a ‘C’ for new tenancies with existing tenancies to follow at a later date, but in late 2023 the prime minister at the time, Rishi Sunak, postponed that change.
Since then, the new Labour government of 2024 has verbally indicated that the requirement for a 'C' rating will be re-introduced for 2030 onwards, but no further concrete information has been provided since (the time of writing is September 2024).
Up to date information about MEES is available via the link below. Included on the Geovernment website are tests to indicate whether your let property is subject to the requirements of the legislation, and details of the £3500 cost cap on improvements, and how to register exemptions:
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