MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)
Regulations requiring rental properties in England and Wales to meet a minimum EPC rating of E. Landlords cannot grant a new tenancy or continue an existing one for an F or G property without a valid exemption. Maximum fine: £5,000 per property.
At a glance
- Minimum band
- E
- Max fine
- £5,000 per property
- Exemption register
- GOV.UK PRS Exemption Register
- Applies
- England and Wales
Full guide
Read the complete landlord guide on MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)
Deadlines, fines and step-by-step compliance in our in-depth resource.
Open full guideWhy MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) matters for landlords
MEES is the enforcement teeth behind the EPC. A Band F or G property cannot be legally let without a valid registered exemption — renting it anyway is a £5,000 civil penalty and a tenant-rights talking point. The exemption register is the often-forgotten step: an exemption claimed but not registered is an invalid defence when the council knocks.
Official sources
LetCompliance editorial reviews this entry every quarter against the sources above. Always confirm specific duties with a qualified solicitor or your local council.
Related terms
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
A certificate rating a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Rental properties in England must meet at least an E. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let under MEES. An EPC is valid for 10 years. Maximum fine: £5,000 per property.
Mandatory Ground
A ground for possession under Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 that the court must grant if proved. Examples include Ground 1 (landlord moving in), Ground 1A (sale) and Ground 8 (serious arrears). Contrast discretionary grounds, where the court decides if possession is reasonable.
mydeposits
One of the three government-authorised deposit protection schemes in England. Offers custodial and insured options. Deposits must be protected within 30 days of receipt.
Accelerated Possession
A fast-track court procedure used under a Section 21 notice in England and Wales. Abolished for new claims from 1 May 2026 because Section 21 no longer exists. Possession is now pursued under Section 8 using a specified ground.
AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy)
The most common form of private tenancy in England. From 1 May 2026 all existing ASTs converted to assured periodic tenancies under the Renters Rights Act 2025, and new fixed-term ASTs can no longer be created for most residential lets.
Arrears (Rent Arrears)
Unpaid rent that is past its due date. Ground 8 of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (mandatory) requires at least 3 months of rent arrears under the Renters Rights Act 2025 (previously 2 months). Grounds 10 and 11 remain as discretionary grounds.