Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

Landlord obligations

The regulations were introduced as part of the ‘Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015’ and are designed to:

• improve the energy efficiency of the private rented housing sector in England and Wales
• reduce levels of fuel poverty
• improve the health and wellbeing of tenants
• deliver on governmental carbon reduction targets to combat climate change

The regulations require landlords to be legally compliant with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

What do landlords need to know?

From 1 April 2020, it's unlawful for landlords of a domestic property to hold a tenancy with new or existing tenants if the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has a rating of either F or G. 

If the rating is F or G, landlords must make energy efficiency improvements to the property to raise the EPC rating to the minimum standard. After carrying out improvement works the landlord must take steps to get a new, updated EPC for the property.

Landlords may be able to claim an exemption for their property. Find more information about exemption on the government’s website.

If needed, you can apply for an exemption on the government's website.

You can find more information on the government’s website including details on:

1. Find out if your property is covered by the Regulations
2. When you need to take action to improve your property to EPC E
3. Selecting energy efficiency measures
4. Registering an exemption
5. Enforcement and penalties

Can landlords get financial help to improve the energy efficiency of their properties?

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

• Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Energy Company Obligation

• Energy Company Obligation (ECO) - Homeowners and tenants | Ofgem
• Landlord-ECO4-Rules-Leaflet-Energy-Saving-Genie.pdf (energysavinggenie.co.uk)

Green Deal

• Green Deal: energy saving for your home: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Getting a Green Deal: information for householders and landlords - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Energy Saving Trust

• Who we are - Energy Saving Trust

Green Doctors

• Green Doctors London

Page last updated: 03 August 2023