What is MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) Regulations?

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations prohibit landlords in England and Wales from letting domestic properties with an EPC rating below E without a registered exemption. The regulations have applied to new tenancies since April 2018 and all tenancies since April 2020. Government consultation proposes raising the minimum to a C rating for new tenancies by 2028 and all tenancies by 2030, subject to legislation. Landlords face civil penalties of up to £5,000 per dwelling per breach, enforced by local authorities. Exemptions — such as a third-party consent exemption or a high-cost exemption — must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.