Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

What Are ‘MEES’ for EPCs

MEES stands for ‘Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards’ and they came into effect in April 2018. The standards require a property to have an Energy Rating of E or above on the A – G rating scale, if the property is to be let. If the property has an F or G rating, it can not be let out until improvements are made to lift the rating up to at least an E rating. If a property is already let out when an EPC is produced and it achieves a rating lower than E, the property owner must take immediate action to make improvements to the property to bring the energy rating to within the A to E range. Once improvements have been made to a property, a follow up energy assessment must be completed and a new EPC produced showing the new improved energy rating. Find out more about the history of MEES below.

Please Note.

Failure to comply with MEES legislation can result in the property owner being fined. For more information visit our Legal Requirements page.

Why have Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards been put in place

1. Help achieve carbon reduction targets

According to the UK governments most recent statistics, buildings account for around 20% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The UK government has committed to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Net zero means any emissions would be balanced by schemes to offset an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as planting trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage. Improving the energy efficiency of domestic properties has a significant part to play if we are to achieve net zero and minimum energy efficiency standards will help achieve this goal. The more energy efficient a property is, the less energy it uses, reducing its running costs and carbon emissions.

2. Reduce ‘Fuel Poverty’

The UK government defines fuel poverty as relating to households that spend a high proportion of their household income to keep their home at a reasonable temperature. The UK Government estimates that 13% of households in England, 25% in Scotland, 14% in Wales and 24% in Northern Ireland are classed as fuel poor. Fuel poverty is affected by three key factors, household income, fuel costs and energy consumption.
In our experience, properties that are let often have older or less energy efficient heating and hot water systems, less insulation, single glazing, less energy efficient lighting etc. Making improvements in these areas should ultimately make the property more energy efficient which should reduce energy consumption.
Tenants generally pay the bills for the property they live in so a more energy efficient property means lower bills. The cost of running a property is therefore a key factor in calculating its energy rating. To find out more about fuel poverty, view the UK Governments Fuel Poverty Research.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards & Mortgages

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards legislation currently requires a minimum energy efficiency rating of E on rental properties. Some lenders may need to factor EPC ratings into lending decisions. If an energy rating doesn’t meet the minimum of an E the property can’t be rented out so it is unlikely that a mortgage lender would agree to a ‘buy-to-let’ mortgage on that property.
The previous and current UK government have indicated they intend to raise the minimum energy rating, possibly to a C rating. It has not been confirmed when this change will become legislation. Some banks now future proof their ‘ buy to let’ mortgages by insisting the property’s EPC rating is a C.

Exemptions to MEES Legislation

Exemptions to MEES legislation allow landlords to let properties that do not comply with the legislation, i.e. where the properties energy rating is F or G. Exemptions only apply under certain circumstances and only when registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. Visit our EPC Exemptions page to find out what the exemptions are and how to register an exemption.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards History

Since October 2007, all domestic rental properties in England and Wales have required an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The key information in an EPC is a properties Energy Efficiency which is rated on a scale of A to G, A being the highest rating and G being the lowest. There have been two key amendments to the legislation since it began. To find out more visit our Legal Requirements page.

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