Minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES)
The rule that a privately let home in England must have an EPC rating of E or better, unless a valid exemption is registered.
In short: The minimum energy efficiency standard bans letting homes rated F or G on their EPC unless an exemption is registered. It applies to all private tenancies in England and Wales since April 2020. The Government plans to raise the minimum to C from 1 October 2030.
Safety certificates and the homeMoney, tax and insurance
England. Checked against the law on 5 October 2026. Information, not legal advice.
The rules are in the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015:
- A let home must be E or better.
- If it is F or G, the landlord must make improvements up to a spending cap of £3,500 (including VAT), or register an exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register if one applies.
- Most exemptions last five years.
- Councils can fine landlords who let in breach, and publish the breach.
The planned rise to C from 1 October 2030 has been announced with a higher spending cap, but the regulations have not yet been made; check the current position before planning works.
Read more: The certificates every let needs (gas, electrical, EPC, alarms)
Related: Energy performance certificate (EPC), Decent Homes Standard
Where this comes from
Guides on this
Guide
The certificates every let needs (gas, electrical, EPC, alarms)
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Related terms
Glossary
Capital gains tax 60-day report
When you sell a UK home that is not your main home and owe capital gains tax, you must report and pay it to HMRC within 60 days of completion.
Glossary
Category 1 hazard
The most serious level of hazard under the HHSRS. When a council finds one in a home, it must take enforcement action.
Glossary
Council tax liability
Who must pay council tax on a home. Usually the tenant living there; the owner for an HMO, an empty home or where nobody lives there as their main home.
Glossary
EICR codes: C1, C2, C3 and FI
The codes an electrician uses on an EICR: C1 danger present, C2 potentially dangerous, FI further investigation needed, C3 improvement recommended.
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Electrical installation condition report (EICR)
A report by a qualified electrician on the safety of a home's fixed wiring. Every private let in England needs one at least every five years.
Glossary
Energy performance certificate (EPC)
A certificate rating a home's energy efficiency from A (best) to G, valid for ten years. Needed before a home is let or sold, and shown in adverts.