MEES Compliance: What You Need to Know
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, known as MEES, apply to qualifying privately rented properties in England and Wales.
The current minimum is EPC E. The rules cover both new and continuing tenancies, with the continuing tenancy requirement applying to residential properties since April 2020 and commercial properties since April 2023. Properties rated F or G require action unless a valid exemption applies and has been registered.
Higher standards are also being planned, with different requirements for commercial and residential properties.
For commercial properties, the government’s June 2026 announcement proposes EPC B from 2031 for privately rented buildings over 1,000 m², where cost effective. Buildings below 1,000 m² are intended to remain subject to EPC E. The previously proposed EPC C milestone for 2027 will not proceed. These changes require legislation, and further details of the floor area threshold remain to be confirmed.
For residential properties, the government has announced a policy to introduce an EPC C equivalent standard from 1 October 2030, linked to reformed EPC measures. Legislation is required to implement the changes.
Cost-Effective Measures for Compliance
Choosing the right improvements starts with understanding your property. Insulation, lighting, heating, controls and renewable energy can all affect its performance, but the most suitable approach will depend on the building.
For commercial properties, MEES includes a seven year payback test to establish whether recommended improvements qualify as cost effective under the regulations. This requires appropriate cost and energy saving calculations. An improvement that fails the test does not automatically exempt the whole property from further action.
At NRG Assessments, we can model suitable improvements and compare their predicted effect on the EPC. This helps you make informed decisions before investing in works. Where a formal payback assessment is needed, the additional calculations and evidence requirements will be identified separately.
Residential Properties: Cost Cap for Landlords
Under the current residential MEES rules, the landlord funding cap is generally £3,500 including VAT to improve an eligible property to EPC E.
If the property cannot reach E within the applicable cap, landlords must make the relevant improvements available within it before registering an appropriate exemption. A quotation above £3,500 does not automatically remove the obligation to consider other suitable improvements. Funding arrangements and previous eligible expenditure can affect the position.
The government’s announced plans for the higher residential standard include a £10,000 cost cap. This forms part of the future changes and does not replace the current cap today.
How NRG Assessments Can Help
We provide commercial and residential EPC assessments and practical advice on improving energy performance.
For commercial buildings, our improvement modelling allows you to compare potential upgrades and see their predicted effect on the EPC score and band. For residential properties, we can review the assessment and identify suitable improvements to help work towards your target rating.
Depending on the property, options may include insulation, lighting, heating upgrades, improved controls and renewable energy.
Our advice helps you understand:
• Your current EPC position
• Which improvements could make a worthwhile difference
• How to coordinate upgrades with planned maintenance or refurbishment
• What evidence is needed for an updated EPC
• Whether further assessment is required to support a possible exemption
NRG Assessments has been carrying out commercial energy assessments since 2008. We work across Birmingham, the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Derbyshire, with wider coverage for larger projects and portfolios.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
The Onus is on Landlords: Are You Ready for the New Legislation?
Reviewing your EPC before a letting, lease renewal or refurbishment gives you time to investigate the options and obtain quotations.
Early assessment can help you coordinate improvements with planned works, reduce disruption and avoid replacing equipment without understanding its effect on the building’s energy performance.
The Onus is on Landlords: Are You Ready for the New Legislation?
Landlords are responsible for meeting the MEES requirements that apply to their properties.
Start by checking your existing EPC, reviewing any registered exemption and identifying buildings that may need attention. Properties with an F or G rating should be prioritised where they fall within the regulations.
For properties that already meet the current minimum, planning ahead can help you prepare for higher standards and make informed investment decisions.
The Commercial MEES Assessment Process
COMPLETE THE EPC
We visit your property to assess its construction, insulation, lighting, heating and cooling systems. We then create an energy assessment model to establish its EPC rating and identify opportunities for improvement.
ANALYSE THE EPC
We review the rating and discuss your objectives. If the property scores F or G, we investigate improvements to help achieve the current minimum standard. We can also explore higher ratings to support refurbishment plans and longer term investment.
MEES REPORT
We test suitable improvements within the building’s energy model, individually and in combination. Your report compares the predicted EPC ratings and explains the main assumptions, helping you assess the options before committing to works.
HIGHLIGHT SAVINGS
We identify practical improvement options and their predicted effect on the EPC. Where a formal seven year payback assessment is required, separate cost and energy saving calculations are needed. EPC modelling alone does not establish actual bill savings or eligibility for an exemption.
PROVIDE QUOTES
Obtain quotations from suitably qualified contractors for the recommended works. These establish installation costs and help you plan your investment. A seven year payback exemption requires three installer quotations for the relevant measures, together with supporting calculations.
FINISH EPC
Once improvements are complete, we check the installation evidence and revisit where necessary. We update the assessment and lodge the final EPC on the government register. Any valid exemption must be registered separately on the PRS Exemptions Register with the required supporting evidence.