Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) - Revision history

Editor: moved Minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES)

2025-06-17T04:54:10Z

moved Minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES)

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Revision as of 04:54, 17 June 2025

Editor at 13:44, 4 June 2025

2025-06-04T13:44:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:44, 4 June 2025
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	The regulations stipulate that from April 2018, existing tenancies cannot be renewed nor new tenancies granted if a building has less than the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. After April 2023, landlords will not be allowed to let any buildings which have an EPC rating worse than E.		The regulations stipulate that from April 2018, existing tenancies cannot be renewed nor new tenancies granted if a building has less than the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. After April 2023, landlords will not be allowed to let any buildings which have an EPC rating worse than E.

−	= Update April ~~2023~~ =	+	= Update April 2025 =

−	In February 2025, the Labour government published a consultation on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030. '[https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: 2025] [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update update]'. The consultation seeks views on the government’s proposal to amend the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (referred to as ‘the PRS Regulations’) as well as changes to the Energy Act 2011, the primary legislation that gives the government powers to amend the Private Rental Sector (PRS) Regulations. See Updating MEES for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030 and the [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update full consultation can be found here].	+	In February 2025, the Labour government published a consultation on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030. '[https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: 2025] [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update update]'.

−	As of April 2023, an extension of the MEES regulation ~~will prohibit~~ landlords from leasing out commercial buildings with an EPC rating of F or lower. This means it will be unlawful for a landlord to continue to let commercial premises with an EPC rating of F or G (unless it has registered a valid exemption).	+	The consultation seeks views on the government’s proposal to amend the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (referred to as ‘the PRS Regulations’) as well as changes to the Energy Act 2011, the primary legislation that gives the government powers to amend the Private Rental Sector (PRS) Regulations. See Updating MEES for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030 and the [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update full consultation can be found here].
		+
		+	As of April 2023, an extension of the MEES regulation prohibited landlords from leasing out commercial buildings with an EPC rating of F or lower. This means it will be unlawful for a landlord to continue to let commercial premises with an EPC rating of F or G (unless it has registered a valid exemption).

	Any “sub-standard” must either have made sufficient energy efficiency improvements to bring the EPC rating to E or above or register for an exemption. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £150,000 per offence as well as being named and potentially shamed on the Register.		Any “sub-standard” must either have made sufficient energy efficiency improvements to bring the EPC rating to E or above or register for an exemption. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £150,000 per offence as well as being named and potentially shamed on the Register.
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	The requirement applies to non-domestic private rented property situated in England and Wales, which is let under a qualifying tenancy and is required to have an EPC. Although the legislation does not define tenancy itself, qualifying tenancies does not include those with a term of 6 months or less, or those with more than 99 years. buildings that are not required to have an EPC, may be exempt, these ar likely to be those with no air conditioning or heating, as well as religious, temporary or very small buildings.		The requirement applies to non-domestic private rented property situated in England and Wales, which is let under a qualifying tenancy and is required to have an EPC. Although the legislation does not define tenancy itself, qualifying tenancies does not include those with a term of 6 months or less, or those with more than 99 years. buildings that are not required to have an EPC, may be exempt, these ar likely to be those with no air conditioning or heating, as well as religious, temporary or very small buildings.

−	Following the changes made in 2023, although not directly MEES, the Labour government published a consultation in 2024, to consider a number of changes to the EPC framework. Whilst the MEES standards, exemptions etc remain in place (for future consultation) the approach to EPCs themselves is being reviewed, as well as when an EPC is required. So in other words it is proposed that minimum standards remain effectively the same but the publication of a buildings energy performance standard (whatever rating it may be) is expanding aswell as the methods changing.	+	Following the changes made in 2023, although not directly MEES, the Labour government published a consultation in 2024, to consider a number of changes to the EPC framework. Whilst the MEES standards, exemptions etc remain in place (for future consultation) the approach to EPCs themselves is being reviewed, as well as when an EPC is required.
		+
		+	So in other words it is proposed that minimum standards remain effectively the same but the publication of a buildings energy performance standard (whatever rating it may be) is expanding aswell as the methods of calculation changing. The new updated methodology for calculating EPCs for existing buildings the reduced standard assessment procedure (RdSAP) vesrion 10 was released on 15 June 2025. The new procedure will more accurately assess a buildings efficiency and thus likely to incur a slightly higher charge.

	= Buildings and tenancies =		= Buildings and tenancies =

Editor at 12:11, 4 April 2025

2025-04-04T12:11:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:11, 4 April 2025
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	= Update April 2023 =		= Update April 2023 =

−	In February 2025, the Labour government published a consultation on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030. '[https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: 2025] [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update update]'. The consultation seeks views on the government’s proposal to amend the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (referred to as ‘the PRS Regulations’) as well as changes to the Energy Act 2011, the primary legislation that gives the government powers to amend the Private Rental Sector (PRS) Regulations. ~~The~~ [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update full consultation can be found here].	+	In February 2025, the Labour government published a consultation on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030. '[https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: 2025] [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update update]'. The consultation seeks views on the government’s proposal to amend the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (referred to as ‘the PRS Regulations’) as well as changes to the Energy Act 2011, the primary legislation that gives the government powers to amend the Private Rental Sector (PRS) Regulations. See Updating MEES for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030 and the [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update full consultation can be found here].

	As of April 2023, an extension of the MEES regulation will prohibit landlords from leasing out commercial buildings with an EPC rating of F or lower. This means it will be unlawful for a landlord to continue to let commercial premises with an EPC rating of F or G (unless it has registered a valid exemption).		As of April 2023, an extension of the MEES regulation will prohibit landlords from leasing out commercial buildings with an EPC rating of F or lower. This means it will be unlawful for a landlord to continue to let commercial premises with an EPC rating of F or G (unless it has registered a valid exemption).

Editor at 12:09, 4 April 2025

2025-04-04T12:09:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:09, 4 April 2025
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	= Update April 2023 =		= Update April 2023 =
		+
		+	In February 2025, the Labour government published a consultation on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030. '[https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: 2025] [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update update]'. The consultation seeks views on the government’s proposal to amend the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (referred to as ‘the PRS Regulations’) as well as changes to the Energy Act 2011, the primary legislation that gives the government powers to amend the Private Rental Sector (PRS) Regulations. The [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update full consultation can be found here].

	As of April 2023, an extension of the MEES regulation will prohibit landlords from leasing out commercial buildings with an EPC rating of F or lower. This means it will be unlawful for a landlord to continue to let commercial premises with an EPC rating of F or G (unless it has registered a valid exemption).		As of April 2023, an extension of the MEES regulation will prohibit landlords from leasing out commercial buildings with an EPC rating of F or lower. This means it will be unlawful for a landlord to continue to let commercial premises with an EPC rating of F or G (unless it has registered a valid exemption).

Editor at 08:54, 11 February 2025

2025-02-11T08:54:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:54, 11 February 2025
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	The [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-private-rented-property-minimum-standard-landlord-guidance-documents minimum energy efficiency standard] (MEES) was developed to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s older building stock, helping deliver carbon reduction targets for 2020 and 2050. The Building Regulations ensure new properties conform to current energy efficiency standards, while MEES ~~focuses~~ on the existing stock. These standards might also be referred to as PRS MEES (Private Rental Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard) and SRS MEES (Social Rental Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard). MEES was introduced by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. At the time, the government estimated that 18% of commercial properties held the lowest EPC ratings of F or G.	+	The [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-private-rented-property-minimum-standard-landlord-guidance-documents minimum energy efficiency standard] (MEES) was developed to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s older building stock, helping deliver carbon reduction targets for 2020 and 2050. The Building Regulations ensure new properties conform to current energy efficiency standards, while MEES focusses on the existing stock.
		+
		+	These standards might also be referred to as Domestic PRS MEES (Domestic Private Rental Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard), Non-domestic PRS MEES (Non-domestic Private Rental Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard) and Domestic SRS MEES (Domestic Social Rental Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard). MEES was introduced by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. At the time, the government estimated that 18% of commercial properties held the lowest EPC ratings of F or G.

	The regulations stipulate that from April 2018, existing tenancies cannot be renewed nor new tenancies granted if a building has less than the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. After April 2023, landlords will not be allowed to let any buildings which have an EPC rating worse than E.		The regulations stipulate that from April 2018, existing tenancies cannot be renewed nor new tenancies granted if a building has less than the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. After April 2023, landlords will not be allowed to let any buildings which have an EPC rating worse than E.
−
−	The 2015 standards mandated that, by 2018, leases must not be renewed, nor new leases granted, for any property with an EPC rating below E. In 2021, a proposal was made to raise the minimum standard to a C rating by 2028, but in a pulling back from the general National net Zero target, under Rushi Sunak, the Conservatives also withdrew the target of achieving Grade C. This meant properties of E and above could continue to be let in the market.
−
−	[https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f7444ba8fa8f5188c29ff01/prs-mees-interim-report.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f7444ba8fa8f5188c29ff01/prs-mees-interim-report.pdf]

	= Update April 2023 =		= Update April 2023 =
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	* [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-private-rented-property-minimum-standard-landlord-guidance-documents https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-private-rented-property-minimum-standard-landlord-guidance-documents]		* [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-private-rented-property-minimum-standard-landlord-guidance-documents https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-private-rented-property-minimum-standard-landlord-guidance-documents]

−	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Policy]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Policy]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Sustainability]]	+	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Policy]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Policy]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Editor at 08:13, 11 February 2025

2025-02-11T08:13:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:13, 11 February 2025
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	The regulations stipulate that from April 2018, existing tenancies cannot be renewed nor new tenancies granted if a building has less than the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. After April 2023, landlords will not be allowed to let any buildings which have an EPC rating worse than E.		The regulations stipulate that from April 2018, existing tenancies cannot be renewed nor new tenancies granted if a building has less than the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. After April 2023, landlords will not be allowed to let any buildings which have an EPC rating worse than E.
		+
		+	The 2015 standards mandated that, by 2018, leases must not be renewed, nor new leases granted, for any property with an EPC rating below E. In 2021, a proposal was made to raise the minimum standard to a C rating by 2028, but in a pulling back from the general National net Zero target, under Rushi Sunak, the Conservatives also withdrew the target of achieving Grade C. This meant properties of E and above could continue to be let in the market.
		+
		+	[https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f7444ba8fa8f5188c29ff01/prs-mees-interim-report.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f7444ba8fa8f5188c29ff01/prs-mees-interim-report.pdf]

	= Update April 2023 =		= Update April 2023 =

Editor at 09:03, 10 February 2025

2025-02-10T09:03:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:03, 10 February 2025
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	* Third party consent: A tenant, superior landlord or planning authority has refused consent or given consent with conditions that cannot reasonably be complied with by the landlord.		* Third party consent: A tenant, superior landlord or planning authority has refused consent or given consent with conditions that cannot reasonably be complied with by the landlord.

−	Exemptions ~~should~~ be registered on the ~~government’s~~ PRS ~~Exemptions Register~~.	+	Landlords would need to register for an exemption in order to be compliant with MEES regulations, even if the property does not meet the required standards. Exemptions under MEES, which can be applied for if eligibility criteria is met, and the details of the property, address and EPC, along with any evidence supporting the exemption claim (such as quotes for improvement work) so in general it is possible to gain exemptions with the above, in areas that include:
		+
		+	* All improvements made exemption
		+	* Consent exemption (as described above)
		+	* Devaluation exemption (as described above)
		+	* High cost exemption
		+	* New Landlord exemption
		+	* Wall insulation exemption
		+
		+	All exemptions must be registered on the [https://prsregister.beis.gov.uk/NdsBeisUi/used-service-before PRS exemptions register]. Unlike an EPC, an exemption is linked to the Landlord, not the property. This means that if a new landlord comes into the property, they will need to re-register for the exemption if it still applies.

	= Who will be affected? =		= Who will be affected? =

Editor at 08:52, 10 February 2025

2025-02-10T08:52:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:52, 10 February 2025
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	The [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-private-rented-property-minimum-standard-landlord-guidance-documents minimum energy efficiency standard] (MEES) was developed to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s older building stock, helping deliver carbon reduction targets for 2020 and 2050. The Building Regulations ensure new properties conform to current energy efficiency standards, while MEES focuses on the existing stock.	+	The [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-private-rented-property-minimum-standard-landlord-guidance-documents minimum energy efficiency standard] (MEES) was developed to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s older building stock, helping deliver carbon reduction targets for 2020 and 2050. The Building Regulations ensure new properties conform to current energy efficiency standards, while MEES focuses on the existing stock. These standards might also be referred to as PRS MEES (Private Rental Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard) and SRS MEES (Social Rental Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard). MEES was introduced by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. At the time, the government estimated that 18% of commercial properties held the lowest EPC ratings of F or G.
−		+
−	MEES was introduced by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. At the time, the government estimated that 18% of commercial properties held the lowest EPC ratings of F or G.	+

	The regulations stipulate that from April 2018, existing tenancies cannot be renewed nor new tenancies granted if a building has less than the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. After April 2023, landlords will not be allowed to let any buildings which have an EPC rating worse than E.		The regulations stipulate that from April 2018, existing tenancies cannot be renewed nor new tenancies granted if a building has less than the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. After April 2023, landlords will not be allowed to let any buildings which have an EPC rating worse than E.
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	As of April 2023, an extension of the MEES regulation will prohibit landlords from leasing out commercial buildings with an EPC rating of F or lower. This means it will be unlawful for a landlord to continue to let commercial premises with an EPC rating of F or G (unless it has registered a valid exemption).		As of April 2023, an extension of the MEES regulation will prohibit landlords from leasing out commercial buildings with an EPC rating of F or lower. This means it will be unlawful for a landlord to continue to let commercial premises with an EPC rating of F or G (unless it has registered a valid exemption).

−	Any “sub-standard” must either have made sufficient energy efficiency improvements to bring the EPC rating to E or above or register for an exemption. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £150,000 per offence as well as being named and ~~potemtially~~ shamed on the Register.	+	Any “sub-standard” must either have made sufficient energy efficiency improvements to bring the EPC rating to E or above or register for an exemption. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £150,000 per offence as well as being named and potentially shamed on the Register.

	The requirement applies to non-domestic private rented property situated in England and Wales, which is let under a qualifying tenancy and is required to have an EPC. Although the legislation does not define tenancy itself, qualifying tenancies does not include those with a term of 6 months or less, or those with more than 99 years. buildings that are not required to have an EPC, may be exempt, these ar likely to be those with no air conditioning or heating, as well as religious, temporary or very small buildings.		The requirement applies to non-domestic private rented property situated in England and Wales, which is let under a qualifying tenancy and is required to have an EPC. Although the legislation does not define tenancy itself, qualifying tenancies does not include those with a term of 6 months or less, or those with more than 99 years. buildings that are not required to have an EPC, may be exempt, these ar likely to be those with no air conditioning or heating, as well as religious, temporary or very small buildings.
		+
		+	Following the changes made in 2023, although not directly MEES, the Labour government published a consultation in 2024, to consider a number of changes to the EPC framework. Whilst the MEES standards, exemptions etc remain in place (for future consultation) the approach to EPCs themselves is being reviewed, as well as when an EPC is required. So in other words it is proposed that minimum standards remain effectively the same but the publication of a buildings energy performance standard (whatever rating it may be) is expanding aswell as the methods changing.

	= Buildings and tenancies =		= Buildings and tenancies =

Editor at 13:30, 8 May 2023

2023-05-08T13:30:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:30, 8 May 2023
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	* Ensure by 2035 that all other domestic properties have a minimum energy performance rating of C on an Energy Performance Certificate.		* Ensure by 2035 that all other domestic properties have a minimum energy performance rating of C on an Energy Performance Certificate.

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Display energy certificate DEC.		* Display energy certificate DEC.

Editor at 21:48, 15 February 2023

2023-02-15T21:48:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:48, 15 February 2023
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	The regulations stipulate that from April 2018, existing tenancies cannot be renewed nor new tenancies granted if a building has less than the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. After April 2023, landlords will not be allowed to let any buildings which have an EPC rating worse than E.		The regulations stipulate that from April 2018, existing tenancies cannot be renewed nor new tenancies granted if a building has less than the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. After April 2023, landlords will not be allowed to let any buildings which have an EPC rating worse than E.
		+
		+	= Update April 2023 =
		+
		+	As of April 2023, an extension of the MEES regulation will prohibit landlords from leasing out commercial buildings with an EPC rating of F or lower. This means it will be unlawful for a landlord to continue to let commercial premises with an EPC rating of F or G (unless it has registered a valid exemption).
		+
		+	Any “sub-standard” must either have made sufficient energy efficiency improvements to bring the EPC rating to E or above or register for an exemption. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £150,000 per offence as well as being named and potemtially shamed on the Register.
		+
		+	The requirement applies to non-domestic private rented property situated in England and Wales, which is let under a qualifying tenancy and is required to have an EPC. Although the legislation does not define tenancy itself, qualifying tenancies does not include those with a term of 6 months or less, or those with more than 99 years. buildings that are not required to have an EPC, may be exempt, these ar likely to be those with no air conditioning or heating, as well as religious, temporary or very small buildings.

	= Buildings and tenancies =		= Buildings and tenancies =