Minimum Energy Efficiency
Standards (MEES) FAQs
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The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were first introduced in April 2018 for domestic private rented properties in England and Wales. From April 2020 the rules were extended to cover all existing domestic tenancies, not just new ones. MEES require landlords to hold a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with at least an E rating before legally letting a property.

The government has confirmed that the minimum standard will rise to EPC C by 1 October 2030 under the Warm Homes Plan, announced on 21 January 2026. New legislation via an Act of Parliament and a statutory instrument (SI) amending the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property)(England and Wales) Regulations 2015 is expected to come into force in 2027.

MEES regulations apply to both domestic and commercial rental properties in England and Wales.

For domestic properties in the private rented sector (PRS), the current minimum is EPC E and the confirmed future minimum is EPC C by 1 October 2030. Commercial properties have their own separate compliance schedule.

MEES regulations are enforced by local authorities.

Properties for sale are not required to meet MEES, though lenders may decline to finance F or G rated homes.

Several exemption categories exist:

• High Cost Exemption (domestic only): may apply if the cheapest recommended improvement costs more than £3,500 to implement, evidenced by three installer quotes.
• 7 Year Payback Exemption (commercial only): may apply if measures will not pay back within 7 years.
• All Improvements Made Exemption: may apply where all feasible improvements have been completed but the property still does not reach the minimum rating.
• Wall Insulation Exemption: may apply where technical reasons prevent suitable cavity, internal or external insulation.
• Consent Exemption: may apply where required third-party consent (such as planning permission) has been refused.
• Devaluation Exemption: may apply where a RICS surveyor confirms installation would reduce property value by more than 5%.
• New Landlord Exemption: provides a 6-month grace period in specific circumstances such as a lease created by operation of law. Valid for 6 months only.

All exemptions except the New Landlord Exemption are valid for 5 years, after which the landlord must attempt to reach the minimum standard again.

The current minimum EPC rating for domestic private rented properties is E. Landlords who cannot reach an E rating without spending more than the £3,500 cost cap may apply for a High Cost Exemption.

The government has confirmed the standard will rise to EPC C by 1 October 2030.

The government confirmed on 21 January 2026 that all domestic private rented properties in England and Wales must reach EPC C by 1 October 2030. Key points:

• The cost cap rises from the current £3,500 to £10,000 per property.
• A grandfathering provision means properties that reach EPC C before 1 October 2029 remain compliant until that EPC expires.
• New powers come via an Act of Parliament then a statutory instrument (SI) amending the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property)(E&W) Regulations 2015, expected in force 2027.
• The direction is confirmed; landlords should plan improvement works now as demand for insulation and heat pump installation is expected to be high.

Under the current rules, landlords are only required to spend up to £3,500 (including VAT) on energy efficiency improvements. If the cheapest qualifying improvement would cost more than this cap, you can apply for a High Cost Exemption.

Under the confirmed 2030 changes the cost cap will rise to £10,000 per property.

Penalties differ between the current regime and the confirmed 2030 regime:

• Current rules (minimum EPC E): domestic landlords face a penalty of up to £5,000.
• Confirmed 2030 rules (minimum EPC C): the maximum domestic penalty will rise to £30,000.
• Commercial landlords face up to £150,000 under their own compliance schedule.

No. Properties being sold are not subject to MEES. However, since MEES was introduced many banks and financial institutions have declined to provide mortgages or finance for F and G rated properties, so improving the EPC rating can help with saleability.

Every EPC includes a recommendations report listing cost-effective improvements and their estimated impact on the rating. Common measures include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, and upgrading to a high-efficiency boiler or heat pump.

Easy EPC can carry out an EPC assessment and advise on the most practical path to EPC C for your property. Contact us for a free consultation or read our full MEES guide for more detail.