The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for Rental Properties

This fact sheet provides guidance to landlords on the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.

All rental properties must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

• An EPC is legally required to market a property for sale or rent.
• It must be made available to all prospective tenants and buyers and displayed in advertising materials.
• In lettings, a valid EPC must be provided to all new tenants before their tenancy begins, and to all existing tenants when their tenancy is renewed.

⚠️ Landlords should keep a record confirming that the EPC was given to tenants. Without this evidence, a court will not enforce possession notices if required.

• From 1 April 2018 – Landlords cannot grant a new tenancy (to new or existing tenants) if the property has an EPC rating of F or G.
• From 1 April 2020 – Landlords cannot continue to let a property with an EPC rating of F or G.

To comply, landlords must ensure their properties achieve a minimum EPC rating of E. Improvements may need to be made to reach this standard.

• Landlords may register an exemption if all recommended improvements have been made but the property still remains below band E.
• Since 1 April 2019, landlords can no longer rely on the lack of third-party funding as an exemption.
• A cost cap of £3,500 (incl. VAT) applies to improvements on F or G rated properties.
• A “High Cost Exemption” may be claimed if improvements needed to reach band E exceed £3,500.
• If third-party funding is available, it can be included within the £3,500 cap (e.g. £1,000 external funding + £2,500 landlord contribution).
• Any investment in energy efficiency made since 1 October 2017 counts towards the cost cap.
• If a property still cannot reach band E within the cap, landlords must complete all improvements possible up to £3,500 and then register an exemption.
• From April 2019, the “consent exemption” (where tenants could refuse improvements via Green Deal finance) was removed. Landlords must now seek alternative funding up to the £3,500 cap.

• An EPC is valid for 10 years.
• Some properties may be exempt from needing an EPC or from compliance with MEES requirements.
• Further details on EPCs and exemptions can be found via official government guidance.

👉 Download our Full EPC Guide here.