Landlord EPC Advice

Domestic private rented property minimum energy efficiency standard

The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties.

The Regulations apply to all domestic private rented properties that are let on an assured tenancy, a regulated tenancy, a domestic agricultural tenancy and legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

When you need to take action to improve your property to EPC E

Since 1 April 2020, landlords can no longer let or continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E.

If you are currently planning to let a property with an EPC rating of F or G, you need to improve the property’s rating to E before you enter into a new tenancy.

If you are currently letting a property with an EPC rating of F or G, and you haven’t already taken action, you must improve the property’s rating to E immediately.

If your property is currently empty, and you are not planning to let it, you don’t need to take any action to improve its rating until you decide to let it again.

Setting long-term energy performance standards

The Government has committed to look at a long-term trajectory to improve the energy performance standards of privately rented homes in England, with the aim for as many of them as possible to be upgraded to EPC Band C or equivalent by 2030.

They are exploring policy design options following the 2026 consultation and will provide further information in due course.

Areas covered include Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminister, Tatworth, Axminister, Honiton, Upottery, Lyme Regis, Seaton, Sidmouth, Branscombe, Beer, Axmouth, Colyton, Colyford, Kilmington, Uplyme, Smallridge, Dunkeswell.