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Advice & information on domestic MEES

We are also growing our services and this website to include advice and guidance to property owners seeking to navigate the often complex process of making their buildings more energy efficient and healthier.

We have not started to release this data yet but please keep an eye on our website or send us an enquiry via the details on our contact page.

Domestic Rental Sector
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

id you know that there are laws in effect which affect the letting of property in the non-domestic private rental sector? Since the 1st April 2018 it has been unlawful to grant new leases for properties in England and Wales which do not meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). 

MEES  legislation attempts to ensure that all tenants enjoy a right to live in an energy efficient home. It also contributes to the UK legislative targets of reducing CO2 emissions for all buildings to around zero by 2050.

However, since 1st April 2023, these regulations have been extended to all privately rented properties including where a lease is already in place and a property is occupied. Local Authorities can issue compliance notices if the suspect a breach of the regulations. Failure to comply with a compliance notice Non-compliance could result in heavy fines, possibly as much as £5,000. 

And there are further changes in the pipeline. 

According to stated Government intentions:

  • In 2025 the minimum standard is expected to rise to EPC band D. 
  • In 2027 the minimum standard is expected to rise to an EPC band C.
  • In 2030 the minimum standard will rise to an EPC B Rating.

Don’t panic!

Your local MEP energy assessor can help landlords and their agents. We can provide up-to-date Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Not only can they identify the current energy rating (which may have changed over time) but can also provide cost effective recommendations for improvement. Should the need arise, they can also help you apply for an exemption, where permitted under the regulations. 

Are there any exemptions?

Landlords can be made exempt from MEES if they are able to demonstrate one of the following applies:
  • They have carried out all cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. 
  • Measures identified by Green Deal or an alternative government scheme are not cost effective (devalue the property by 5% or more or fail to raise the EPC rating above an F)
  • Landlord has tried but despite reasonable effort has failed to obtain third-party consents (e.g. tenant agreement that the work can be carried out, planning permission etc.).
  • All of these exemptions are likely to have a time constraint attached to them.

Who does MEES not apply to?

  • If a property does not need an EPC under current legislation, it is not required to meet MEES. 
  • MEES does not apply to short lettings (6 months or less) and lettings over 99 years or more.

What Next?

The risk to landlords is real and we recommend you get a full understanding of the energy efficiency of your portfolio to check if you are complying with MEES. MEP members can assess your property’s energy efficiency and provide an EPC to help you understand your property’s energy efficiency rating and the steps you can take to ensure compliance. For more information contact your local MEP member. You can find them on our Find an Assessor tab.

Latest News About Domestic MEES

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This database is FREE for you to use – and when you choose an MEP assessor you’ll know you’re dealing with a professional providing a fast, efficient and reliable service. That’s why MEP assessors are respected by some of the largest energy efficiency organisations in the UK. 

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