Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

Introduced via the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, the regulations have the primary aims of: 

• Improving the health and wellbeing of tenants
• Improving the energy efficiency of the private rented housing sector in England and Wales
• Delivering on governmental carbon reduction targets to combat climate change
• Reducing levels of fuel poverty

What landlords need to know

From 1 April 2020, it is unlawful for landlords of a domestic property to hold a tenancy with new or existing tenants if the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has a rating of either F or G. Where the energy performance of a property is assessed to below 'E', landlords must make energy efficiency improvements to raise the EPC rating to the minimum standard.

These regulations are applicable to all domestic private rented properties.

Landlord responsibilities

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations require landlords to ensure that their property has a valid EPC and the property is only rented out if it meets the requirement of an EPC rating of E or higher, unless they register a valid exemption (see below).

Any landlord found guilty of failing to comply with these regulations is liable for a financial penalty of up to £5,000 per property.

What can I do to improve the EPC rating of my property if it is an F or G?

1. Closely examine the 'recommendations' section of your EPC
   EPCs provide a set of recommendations that outline the degree to which specific individual measures (e.g. installing roof insulation) could improve your property's overall energy efficiency rating including estimated costs and savings. Note that the recommended measures are laid out in order of their importance to improving the overall energy rating of the property.
2. Decide on the works that you want to carry out to your property
   Using the recommended measures specified in your property's EPC, decide on the works that you want to carry out on your property. Choose works that will improve the EPC rating of your property to at least an E rating.
3. Carry out the works
   Identify and engage relevant suppliers and carry out the works.
4. Obtain an updated EPC Rating
   Now that you have carried out the works, make sure you obtain another EPC that demonstrates the property's EPC rating of at least E or above. To obtain a new EPC, please visit how to get a new energy certificate.
5. Inform Hillingdon Council about your improved EPC rating
   Don't forget to let us know that you have carried out the necessary works and have obtained an EPC rating of at least E above. To do this, email us on mees@hillingdon.gov.uk

Who pays for the cost?

There are different options available for funding the works required to improve the energy efficiency of your property. These include:

• Self-funding: You can self-fund the required energy efficiency improvements to your property. The costs are capped at £3,500 (including VAT).
• Third party funding: You may be eligible to apply for third party funding to cover some of the costs of the works required to improve the energy efficiency of your property. You can check your eligibility online. For more detail about what third party funding options are available, please see the links below.

What third party funding is available?

Please see the list of third party providers who offer funding to landlords below:

• Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive
• Green Homes Grant
• Groundwork
• Warmworks
• Simple Energy Advice

Exemptions

If the property has an F or G rating, and the property cannot be improved to meet the minimum E rating, the landlord can apply for an exemption from the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations. For further information, please visit guidance on exemptions.

Who can I contact for further questions and/or advice?

If you have any further questions or want additional advice, then please contact us on mees@hillingdon.gov.uk