MEES: Minimum Energy Efficiency — landlord obligations in England
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) require that rental properties have an EPC rating of E or above, unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. You cannot grant or continue a tenancy for a sub-standard property unless an exemption is in place. Before claiming a five-year exemption, you must first make all relevant improvements that are available at no cost to you.
The law that creates this obligation
Your obligations as a landlord
- Who this applies to: Landlords of sub-standard domestic PRS properties (EPC below E).
- When it applies: Continuously—you must not grant or continue a tenancy for a sub-standard property unless an exemption is registered.
- What you must do: Ensure the property has an EPC rating E or higher, or register a valid exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register before granting or continuing a tenancy.
What good evidence looks like
Your compliance file should contain
- Written record or document confirming this obligation has been met
- Date of compliance — email timestamp, signed receipt, or platform log
Upload the EPC certificate showing rating E or above, or the exemption registration entry from the PRS Exemptions Register.
Record this obligation in your LettingsLedger workspace
Upload evidence, set reminders, and build a timestamped compliance record — all in one place.
Consequences of non-compliance
The LHA can issue civil penalty notices: up to £4,000 for letting a sub-standard property for 3 months or more, up to £2,000 for less than 3 months, up to £2,000 for non-compliance with a compliance notice, and up to £1,000 for false information on the Register. Total penalties per property cannot exceed £5,000.
Further reading for landlords
LettingsLedger is a compliance evidence governance platform. It is not a legal services provider and does not provide legal advice. Content is derived from UK primary legislation at legislation.gov.uk and official GOV.UK sources. Reflects the position as at June 2026. A GovProtocol product by Pertheo Limited.