Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES)

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) came into force in England and Wales on 1 April 2018. It applies to private rented residential and non-domestic properties and is designed to encourage landlords to improve their properties’ energy efficiency.

Under MEES, properties must have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E or above. Properties with an EPC rating of F or G cannot be rented out until their energy efficiency is improved.

This standard ensures that rented properties are more energy-efficient, reducing energy consumption and costs for tenants. It is enforced by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (Principal Regulations), as amended in 2016 and 2019.

An EPC sets out a property’s energy efficiency rating as well as recommendations on improving it. Any property that has been marketed or let since 2008 needs an EPC, which lasts for ten years. To learn whether your property may be exempt, see the government guidance on energy performance certificates.

For more information, please refer to our article called 'A simple guide to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard: What property owners need to know'.