MEES Regulations for Private Rented Properties in England & Wales – 2025 Landlord Guide

Landlords: Is your property compliant with MEES?
If you’re letting out a residential property in England or Wales, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are a legal requirement—and they’re more relevant than ever in 2025.

Whether you’re preparing to let a new property or continuing a long-standing tenancy, an up-to-date EPC rating of E or above is mandatory unless a valid exemption applies.

At HIVE EPCs, we specialise in helping landlords maximise EPC ratings and meet MEES obligations, cost-effectively and with minimal disruption—thanks to our Draft EPC Consultation Service.

What is MEES?

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were introduced under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. Their purpose is to reduce carbon emissions, lower fuel bills for tenants, and improve the quality of housing in the private rented sector.

Key Requirements:

• Since April 2020, all privately rented homes must have an EPC rating of at least E before they can be let.

• Landlords must make improvements to raise the rating to E or above, or register an exemption if eligible.
• Applies to assured, regulated, and domestic agricultural tenancies.
• Applies to new lets and existing tenancies.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Letting a property that does not meet MEES requirements can result in fines up to £5,000 per property per breach.

If your property is rated F or G, it is unlawful to let or continue letting without taking appropriate action.

Updated May 2025: New PRS Exemptions Register

As of 16 May 2025, the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register has moved to a new GOV.UK digital service.

Landlords must now:

• Use the updated GOV.UK PRS Exemptions portal to register exemptions.
• Log in using a GOV.UK One Login (replacing previous login methods).
• Provide detailed supporting evidence for any exemption claimed.

We can assist landlords in navigating this process as part of our EPC consultation service.

How We Help Landlords Meet MEES

We understand that simply “getting an EPC” isn’t enough—maximising your rating without overspending is the real challenge. Our unique Draft EPC Consultation Service offers:

✅ Pre-Assessment with Draft EPC

Before finalising the certificate, we model your current rating and simulate upgrades to determine what works best.

✅ Tailored Upgrade Advice

We identify the most cost-effective improvements based on the latest RdSAP 10 standards, energy modelling, and landlord objectives.

✅ Compliance Strategy

Whether you’re aiming to achieve E, reach a C rating for future-proofing, or register an exemption, we provide step-by-step guidance.

✅ Exemption Support

If a property cannot be improved to E within the £3,500 cost cap, or has other limiting factors (such as tenant consent issues or structural constraints), we help prepare and submit exemption applications via the new GOV.UK platform.

Common EPC Improvements to Meet MEES

Here are some common, cost-effective measures landlords use to raise EPC ratings:

• Loft insulation (up to current depth standards)
• Cavity wall insulation
• High-efficiency boilers or heating systems
• Draught-proofing doors/windows
• Low-energy LED lighting
• Smart heating controls
• Secondary or double glazing

Our service ensures you’re only investing in the right upgrades with the maximum rating return.

Are You MEES Compliant?

Ask yourself:

• Does your rental property have an EPC rating of E or better?
• Is your current EPC older than 10 years?
• Are you planning to re-let or sell your property soon?
• Have you reviewed your eligibility for exemptions?
• Would you benefit from a cost/benefit analysis before upgrading?

If you’re unsure about any of the above, we’re here to help.

Serving Landlords Across South East Kent

We provide domestic EPCs and MEES consultancy for landlords in:

📍 Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone, Deal, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Ashford, Faversham, Thanet (Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, Birchington), and surrounding areas.

Book Your EPC or MEES Consultation Today

Whether you need a basic EPC, a detailed Draft EPC analysis, or exemption guidance—we’re your trusted local partner for MEES compliance and property energy efficiency strategy.

🔍 Get expert insights before committing to costly upgrades
📋 Receive clear, tailored improvement advice
📨 Ensure your property remains legally rentable

👉 Call us now on 01304 626457 or use our online booking form to get started.