EPC & MEES — Energy Performance Certificate and minimum energy efficiency

Summary

England landlords must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for any property they let. Since April 2020, properties must have an EPC rating of at least E (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, MEES) before a new tenancy is granted or an existing one is renewed. An EPC is valid for 10 years. Tenants must be given a copy before or at the start of their tenancy.

Checklist

Commission an EPC from an accredited domestic energy assessor
Ensure the property achieves at least an E rating before letting
If the property is F or G rated, investigate exemptions or carry out improvement works
Give a copy of the EPC to prospective tenants at viewing or before signing
Give a copy to tenants at the start of the tenancy
Register any valid exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register
Upload the EPC to TenancyVault and set a renewal reminder (10 years)

What to store in the vault

Current EPC certificate (PDF)
EPC rating and expiry date
Details of any registered exemptions
Evidence of improvement works if carried out to meet MEES

What to log as proof

Date the EPC was provided to the tenant
Method of delivery (email, hand-delivered, included in tenancy pack)
Tenant acknowledgement (if obtained)

What to include in a compliance pack

Current EPC certificate
The EPC rating and expiry date

FAQ

How long is an EPC valid? 10 years from the date of issue. After 10 years, a new EPC must be commissioned before reletting.

What is the minimum EPC rating for a rental property? Currently E. Properties rated F or G cannot be let without a valid exemption registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.

What exemptions are available? Exemptions include: all cost-effective improvements have been made but the rating is still below E; third-party consent was required but refused (e.g. listed building consent, freeholder consent); new landlord exemption (6 months grace). Exemptions must be registered.

Does an EPC need to be renewed if the property rating improves? No. An EPC is valid for 10 years regardless. However, if you carry out significant improvement works, commissioning a new EPC may be beneficial.

Are all properties exempt from EPC requirements? Some properties are exempt (e.g. certain listed buildings, holiday lets). Check gov.uk for the full list of exemptions.

What is the proposed uplift to EPC band C? The government has proposed requiring rental properties to achieve EPC band C by 2030 for new tenancies and 2033 for all tenancies. This is subject to legislation and timelines may change.