What is MEES?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations were introduced by the government in 2018. The regulations seek to:
- Improve the quality of privately rented homes,
- Increase the energy efficiency of the worst performing houses,
- Improve the comfort and conditions in privately rented homes and reduce fuel poverty.
As it stands, it is a requirement for privately rented properties to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E before the tenancy is renewed or the house is rented out to a new tenant.
The legislation prevents landlords from renting out a property with a rating of F or G. As of April 1st 2020 this applies to new and existing tenancies.
Currently there is a proposal to see the raising of the energy performance standard to an energy efficiency rating of C, for new tenancies from 2025 and all tenancies from 2028. More details of the proposed plans can be found on the gov.uk website.
