Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
This guidance is for landlords of privately rented domestic and non‑domestic properties on complying with the Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency requirements set by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, made under the Energy Act 2011.
From 1 April 2018, landlords must ensure that any domestic property they let has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E before granting a new tenancy to new or existing tenants.
An EPC shows a property’s energy use, likely energy costs, and recommended improvements. Properties are rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). EPCs are valid for 10 years.
MEES requirements have been phased in to apply to all privately rented properties:
- 1 April 2020 – all domestic privately rented properties
- 1 April 2023 – all non‑domestic privately rented properties
What do landlords need to do?
Landlords must:
- Have a valid EPC and provide a copy to new tenants.
- Ensure rented homes meet at least EPC band E, unless a valid exemption applies.
Domestic MEES requirements
- From 1 April 2018 – all new domestic tenancies must meet EPC E.
- From 1 April 2020 – all domestic privately rented properties must meet EPC E, even if the tenancy has not changed.
A £3,500 (incl. VAT) cost cap applies to domestic MEES. This is a maximum, not a minimum spend requirement.
If a property cannot reach EPC E even after installing all relevant improvements up to the cap, the landlord may register an exemption.
For further guidance, visit GOV.UK or the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).
What should landlords do next?
- Ensure the property has a valid EPC before marketing it for rent.
- When creating a new tenancy, the property must have at least EPC E unless an exemption is registered.
- Provide tenants with a copy of the EPC at move‑in.
- If the EPC rating is F or G, landlords must take action now to improve the rating or consider whether an exemption applies.
What should tenants do?
- Tenants should receive a copy of the EPC at move‑in.
- Tenants can check their home’s EPC rating online.
- If you believe the property does not comply with MEES, please check your EPC rating and raise it with your landlord. If you have no success, contact us.
What energy efficiency measures may be required?
MEES uses the EPC or an alternative valid assessment (e.g., a Green Deal Advice Report) to identify recommended improvements.
“Relevant energy efficiency improvements” include any measures that:
- are recommended for the property, and
- can be installed for £3,500 or less (incl. VAT)
If the landlord installs all relevant improvements and the property still does not reach EPC E, they may register the exemption “all relevant improvements made”.
Exemptions
There are six domestic MEES exemptions:
- All relevant improvements installed, but rating remains below E
- High cost exemption – the cheapest improvement exceeds £3,500
- Wall insulation exemption – wall insulation unsuitable for the property
- Consent exemption – third‑party consent (e.g. planning, freeholder) refused
- Devaluation exemption – improvements would devalue the property by 5% or more
- Temporary 6‑month exemption for new landlords in specific circumstances
All exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register before they can be relied upon.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
HMOs are not excluded from MEES.
MEES applies where:
- the property is required to have an EPC, and
- it is let on a relevant tenancy type
Individual HMO rooms do not require EPCs. The whole building may require an EPC if it has been built, sold, or let within the last 10 years.
Historic and listed buildings
Historic or listed buildings are not automatically exempt.
An exemption may apply only where meeting MEES would unacceptably alter the building’s character or appearance.
Common unacceptable alterations typically include:
- double glazing
- replacement windows and doors
- external wall insulation
- external boiler flues
However, many low‑impact measures may still be acceptable.
To register an exemption, owners must provide evidence that:
- all recommended measures would unacceptably alter the building’s character, and
- none of the recommended measures can be carried out
Owners should seek advice from the Planning Department, which may provide evidence regarding likely planning or listed‑building consent outcomes.
Funding for improvements
Some funding may be available to assist landlords with the cost of energy efficiency works. It is advisable to explore funding options before carrying out improvements.
Support and advice are available through:
Last updated: 06 January 2026