What is MEES?
MEES stands for Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. The regulations set a legal minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for privately rented property in England and Wales. For non-domestic (commercial) property, it is unlawful to continue letting a building with an EPC below E, unless a valid exemption is registered.
MEES already applies to existing commercial tenancies, not only new lets. Landlords therefore need a valid EPC, a view of whether the rating meets the current minimum, and a plan for the next tightening of the standard.
Future MEES Requirements: Preparing for EPC B by 2031
The UK Government’s long-awaited update to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) provides greater clarity for commercial property owners and asset managers. The Government has confirmed its intention to introduce a more targeted approach, under which private rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000m² in England and Wales would be expected to achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate B rating by 2031, where cost-effective and subject to secondary legislation. The proposed interim EPC C milestone has been removed.
Organisations can begin preparing now by reassessing the validity and current ratings of their EPCs, modelling a potential route for properties rated E, D or C to reach EPC B, and considering early estate surveys rather than waiting for secondary legislation.
How TEAM Can Help With MEES
Our energy assessors produce MEES reports that show whether a building meets today’s EPC E minimum and what would be required to move toward a future EPC B. Where there is no valid EPC, we can produce one first, then model cost-effective measures, energy and CO₂ savings, and payback.
A typical MEES engagement includes: confirmation of whether MEES applies; review or production of the commercial EPC; a gap analysis against the current E minimum and the 2031 B trajectory; modelled improvement options; and a clear recommendation on works versus a registered exemption.
MEES Penalty Charges
Letting a non-compliant property for less than three months can result in a financial penalty of 10% of its rateable value, subject to a minimum of £5,000 and a maximum of £50,000. Where the breach continues for three months or more, the penalty is 20% of the rateable value, subject to a minimum of £10,000 and a maximum of £150,000. The enforcement authority may also impose a publication penalty detailing the breach.
There are some exemptions:
- If the consent of a third party is required to carry out works but this is refused (such as a local planning authority)
- When improvements would result in a devaluation of the property by 5% or more or would damage the property
- When all cost-effective improvements have been carried out, but they do not result in an EPC rating of E or higher
- Where the cost of purchasing and installing a recommended efficiency improvement would not meet the 7-year payback test.
An exemption must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register before it can be relied upon. Most exemptions are valid for five years, although some have a shorter validity period. Exemptions do not automatically transfer to a new owner or landlord when a property is sold or otherwise transferred.
Related Services
Further EPC Guidance
How do Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) link to MEES?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) affect landlords of privately rented properties. Under MEES these properties must have at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E before granting a new tenancy to new or existing tenants.
A non-domestic EPC provides an asset rating from A+ to G, showing the assessed energy performance of the building under standardised conditions. It helps prospective buyers and tenants compare the energy efficiency and likely carbon dioxide emissions of different buildings. The accompanying recommendation report identifies measures that could improve the building’s energy performance. Even if you rent your building, some improvements noted on the EPC may need to be implemented, such as switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs, to comply with regulations on the minimum EPC rating.
MEES FAQs
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, the rules that set a legal minimum EPC rating for privately rented property in England and Wales.
Landlords of privately rented non-domestic property (and separately, domestic PRS). Public-sector occupation and some property types can be out of scope; we confirm this as part of the report.
EPC band E. Letting a commercial building at F or G without a valid registered exemption can trigger penalties of 10–20% of rateable value, up to £150,000 per breach.
The Government has indicated that privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000m² should reach EPC B by 2031, where cost-effective and subject to secondary legislation. The previously discussed EPC C interim milestone has been removed.
If the EPC is missing or older than 10 years you need a new energy certificate first. A MEES report then uses that rating to show the works (or exemption route) required.
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