Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)

Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) were introduced by the Government to improve the quality and increase the energy efficiency of the worst performing privately rented houses and buildings.

MEES Energy Performance Certificate

From 1 April 2018 there has been a requirement for any domestic properties rented out in the private rented sector (required to have an EPC) to have a MEES Energy Performance Certificate rating of E or above.

The regulations came into force for new lets and renewals of tenancies with effect from 1 April 2018 and for all existing tenancies on 1 April 2020.

It is now unlawful for a landlord or agent to rent out a domestic property with an EPC rating of F or G unless they have a valid exemption in place.

This includes properties rented on an assured tenancy, regulated tenancy, or domestic agricultural tenancy.

The standard means:

• landlords of relevant domestic private rented properties must not grant a tenancy to new or existing tenants if their property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G (as shown on a valid EPC for the property). This has been the case since 2018
• landlords must not continue letting a relevant domestic property which is already let if that property has an EPC rating F or G (as shown on a valid EPC for the property). This has been the case since April 2020.

In practice this means:

• If you currently let a property with an EPC rating of F or G, you must improve the property’s rating to E immediately, or register an exemption
• If you plan to let a currently vacant property with an EPC rating of F or G, you need to improve the property’s rating to E, or register an exemption, before you start a new tenancy.

We will work with private landlords to help them understand what they need to do. Where they do not comply with the regulations further action may be taken against them.

There is guidance for landlords on minimum energy efficiency standards on the government's website:

• website: Guidance for landlords on minimum energy efficiency standards - GOV.UK

Which properties are covered?

All domestic private rented properties in England must have an EPC rating of E or above if they are:

• let under an assured tenancy, assured shorthold tenancy, regulated tenancy, or certain types of domestic agricultural tenancy, and
• are legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

For any property meeting these two points the regulations on minimum energy efficiency apply. The property type, length of tenancy, location, listed status, property size or other characteristics don't change this.

A property which doesn't meet both points is not covered by the regulations.

Exemptions

Landlords must normally make improvements to a property which raises the EPC to E before they let the property.

In some cases they may be able to claim an exemption and let the property before the improvements have been made. A full list of exemptions and how to add the property to the exemption register is on the government's website:

• website: Exemptions and how to add the property to the exemption register - GOV.UK

The MEES for rented homes will be raised further to a D rating by 2025 and a C rating by 2030. The government is currently consulting on bringing these dates forward, so landlords need to plan ahead and considering how they can meet a higher standard, rather than just the current minimum standard.

Does your property meet the standard?

If you are concerned that your property does not meet the required standard please contact the Environmental Health Residential Team.