MEES are the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard.
The government recently set a target of lifting the MEES in relation to let non-domestic building to a ‘B’ EPC rating by 2030.
MEES came into force in England and Wales on 1 April 2018. They apply to private rented residential and non-domestic property. MEES are aimed at encouraging landlords and property owners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties by a restriction on the granting and continuation of existing tenancies where the property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating of F and G.
As of the 1st of April 2023, a landlord can lawfully continue to let a non-domestic building if the building has an energy rating of ‘E’.
As part of its package of measures, the government intends to alter this so that a building must always have an up-to-date EPC the whole time it is let.
From April 1st, 2027, the minimum required rating will increase to a ‘C’.
From April 1st, 2030, the minimum required rating will be a ‘B’.
You can find more information about exemptions, penalties and improvement funding for these regulations, here: Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard – landlord guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
