MEES Compliance

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are a critical legal requirement for commercial landlords. I work alongside surveyors to assess the status of your building/s and provide reports to help you identify what works are needed to ensure compliance with MEES.

The MEES Compliance Roadmap

Navigating the transition from current EPC ratings to the required standards demands a clear strategic path. Our roadmap identifies key milestones for building improvements, ensuring your property remains lawful and operationally efficient to 2030 and beyond.

Our MEES Roadmap

Our MEES Roadmap is designed to guide property owners, investors and tenants through the evolving requirements for energy efficiency in privately rented non-domestic property in England and Wales. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) establish minimum EPC requirements for qualifying rented properties and are intended to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and support the transition towards a lower-carbon building stock.

Key Milestones

2018 – MEES introduced

MEES requirements came into effect for non-domestic privately rented properties, requiring landlords granting new or renewed tenancies to meet a minimum EPC rating of E, unless a valid exemption applied.

2023 – Minimum standard extended to all relevant lettings

From 1 April 2023, the requirement for non-domestic privately rented properties to achieve at least EPC E, unless exempt, was extended to all relevant properties, including those where there had been no change in tenancy.

2026 – Current position
The current legal minimum for qualifying privately rented non-domestic property remains EPC E. Properties rated F or G generally cannot be let unless the landlord has registered a valid exemption. Existing flexibility mechanisms, including exemptions and the 7-year payback test, remain available where the relevant requirements are met.
2031 – Proposed higher standard for larger buildings

The Government intends to introduce a higher MEES standard of EPC B from 2031 for privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000 m², where cost-effective. The previously proposed EPC C requirement for 2027 will not be taken forward. The proposed EPC B requirement is not yet law and will require secondary legislation before it takes effect.

Our Approach

Assessment – Comprehensive EPC assessments and energy performance reviews to identify current energy efficiency and areas for improvement.

Planning – Tailored improvement plans considering the building's fabric, services, energy consumption, operational requirements, costs and relevant MEES requirements.

Implementation – Practical improvement strategies covering measures such as insulation, glazing, lighting, heating, cooling, controls, renewable technologies and building management systems.

Compliance Assurance – Support with documenting improvement measures, reviewing EPC performance and understanding applicable exemptions and compliance requirements.

Why It Matters

Meeting current MEES requirements helps landlords maintain compliance and reduces the risks associated with inefficient property. Improving energy performance can also reduce operating costs, improve building performance and resilience, enhance asset value and support wider carbon-reduction objectives.

For larger privately rented buildings, early planning is particularly important given the Government's intended move towards EPC B from 2031. While this future requirement is not yet law, understanding the potential impact now can help property owners and investors make informed, cost-effective investment decisions rather than undertaking improvements reactively.

Our roadmap provides a practical pathway for understanding current compliance requirements, identifying improvement opportunities and preparing properties for the evolving energy-efficiency landscape.