Current domestic MEES duties in England, the EPC E minimum, improvement spending rules, exemptions and evidence landlords should retain. This guide is written for practical decision-making and links to the sources used for verification.
The current minimum standard
Under the current domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard in England, a landlord must not grant or continue a relevant tenancy for a property with an EPC rating below E unless a valid exemption applies and has been registered. The rule has applied to all relevant domestic private rented properties since 1 April 2020.
The first step is to confirm whether the property is in scope and whether it has a valid EPC. An F or G result does not automatically mean the tenancy must end; it means the landlord should review relevant recommended measures, funding and any exemption route.
Improvement costs and exemptions
The domestic guidance uses a cost cap of £3,500 including VAT for relevant improvements, subject to the detailed rules. Common exemption routes include high-cost, all improvements made, third-party consent, property devaluation and certain wall-insulation circumstances. Each route has specific evidence requirements and expiry rules.
An exemption is not automatic. It must be entered on the PRS Exemptions Register before it can be relied upon, and false or misleading registrations can be enforced against.
- Keep the valid EPC and recommendation report
- Retain itemised quotations and invoices
- Record applications for consent and written responses
- Keep specialist reports used to support an exemption
- Review expiry dates and ownership changes
Plan from the certificate, then verify
Use the EPC recommendations as a starting point, not as a substitute for technical design. Some measures interact: insulation can affect ventilation needs, and a heating upgrade may depend on the building fabric and electrical capacity.
Government policy in this area can change. Check the current GOV.UK guidance before making a compliance decision, particularly if relying on an exemption or planning works around a tenancy date.
Research and verification
Authoritative sources
Use these primary and specialist sources to check the current rule and read further.
Requirements can change and unusual properties may need specialist advice. Check the latest official source and the facts of the property before relying on a compliance conclusion.
