EPC and MEES guide for landlords
How to distinguish the EPC from the letting standard, check the current minimum energy-efficiency requirement and plan improvements or exemptions correctly.
EPC and MEES are related, but they are not the same thing
An Energy Performance Certificate records the assessed energy performance of a property and gives a rating. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards use that rating as part of the legal framework governing the letting of relevant privately rented property.
For relevant privately rented domestic and non-domestic property in England and Wales, the current minimum standard is generally EPC band E unless a valid exemption applies. The details of the domestic and non-domestic regimes are different, so they should be reviewed separately.
Check the EPC
Confirm whether the property has a valid EPC, what rating it holds and whether the certificate reflects the current property rather than an outdated pre-improvement condition.
Check the letting standard
Establish whether the property is within the MEES regime and whether the current rating meets the standard that applies to that letting.
Plan the next action
Where improvement is needed, review the relevant recommendations, funding position, cost rules and any exemption route before committing to works.
Do not treat future proposals as current law
Energy-efficiency policy continues to develop, but property decisions should be based on the rules currently in force and on official guidance for the relevant property type. Proposed future targets should be tracked as planning context, not presented to landlords as though they are already the operative legal minimum.
Domestic and commercial property need separate review
The domestic private rented regime and the non-domestic private rented regime use different detailed tests, improvement rules and exemption provisions. A portfolio containing both property types should therefore track them as separate compliance workstreams even though both sit under the broader MEES framework.
Use the EPC as a planning document, not just a certificate
The rating, recommendations and expiry date can be used to plan refurbishment, re-letting and capital expenditure. Where works are completed, consider whether a new EPC is appropriate so future decisions are based on the improved building rather than an older assessment.
Official guidance
See the current domestic MEES landlord guidance and non-domestic MEES landlord guidance on GOV.UK.
Need to review EPC or MEES status?
We can coordinate the appropriate EPC route and help organise the current MEES position and next-step planning.