MEES Explained: Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for Landlords

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations set the minimum EPC rating for rental properties in England and Wales. Here is what landlords need to know to stay compliant.

What Are the MEES Regulations?

The MEES regulations were introduced in 2018 under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) Regulations 2015. They set a minimum energy efficiency standard for privately rented properties in England and Wales. Currently, the minimum required EPC rating for all private rental properties is E.

Who Do They Apply To?

MEES apply to all domestic private rented properties that are required to have an EPC. This includes all assured shorthold tenancies, regulated tenancies, and domestic agricultural tenancies. The regulations apply to both new tenancies and existing tenancies.

The Spending Cap and Exemptions

Landlords are required to make energy efficiency improvements up to a spending cap of £3,500 (including VAT) to bring the property up to an E rating. If all relevant improvements up to this cap have been made and the property still does not reach an E rating, the landlord can register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register.

Other exemptions include where a third party (such as a superior landlord or tenant) refuses consent for improvements, where an independent surveyor confirms that improvements would devalue the property by more than 5%, or where the property is newly let and improvements cannot be made before the tenancy starts.

Penalties

Local authorities enforce the MEES regulations. Penalties for letting a sub-standard property include a fine of up to £2,000 for breaches of less than three months and up to £4,000 for breaches of three months or more. The maximum total penalty per property is £5,000. Additionally, details of the penalty may be published on the PRS Exemptions Register for at least 12 months.

Looking Ahead

The government has proposed raising the minimum standard to C, although the timeline has been subject to change. Landlords should plan ahead by reviewing their portfolios and identifying properties that would need improvement to meet a C rating requirement.