Minimum Energy
Efficiency Standards
What are MEES Regulations?
MEES
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations came into force under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. MEES regulations make it unlawful (without a temporary exemption) for landlords to let or continue letting a property that doesn’t meet minimum energy performance requirements.
Who Needs to Comply?
MEES regulations apply to both residential and commercial rental properties in England and Wales however, some properties may qualify for temporary exemptions.
Objectives of MEES Regulations
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) aim to combat climate change by improving energy efficiency in domestic and commercial properties. They set stricter requirements for owners and landlords to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, supporting the government’s goal of net-zero carbon by 2050.
Regulations for non- domestic properties
Landlords are prohibited from granting or renewing a lease if the property has an EPC rating below ‘E’. Since April 2023, this requirement also applies to all existing leases. The government has indicated plans to tighten standards further, with proposed minimum EPC ratings of ‘C’ by 2027 and ‘B’ by 2030.
Temporary Exemptions for Non-Domestic Buildings
Are you subject to MEES regulations?
Historic and Listed Buildings
Under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, listed buildings or those in conservation areas are not automatically exempt from having to meet MEES or obtain an EPC.
Conditional Exemption
If compliance with MEES (i.e. meeting at least an EPC rating of E) would require alterations that would unacceptably change the building’s character or appearance, the property may be exempt from the relevant energy efficiency improvements.
Is your property required to comply with MEES obligations?
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards in Practice
1. Is an epc required?
If an EPC is not legally required, for example, because works needed to assess or improve efficiency would harm the building’s historic fabric, then MEES do not apply.
2. Is an EPC legally obtainable?
If an EPC can be legally obtained without such harm, then the building must comply with MEES as required.
3. Register Exemptions
Landlords must register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register, including providing detailed evidence (e.g. from a conservation officer or planning authority, contractor or tenant).
Why compliance is necessary
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines
Letting a commercial property in breach of MEES (EPC F or G after 1 April 2023) can incur fines up to £50,000 for under 3 months or £150,000 for longer breaches.
Public disclosure
The breach may be published on the PRS Exemptions Register, which can damage reputation.
Our focus is simple:
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Exemption Advisory
Exemption from an EPC does not guarantee exemption from MEES. Seek our professional guidance before letting or selling your property.