EPC & MEES — Energy Performance Certificate and minimum energy efficiency

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. Reviewed March 2026.

What the rule is

The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012 require an EPC to be obtained and given to prospective buyers or tenants. The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 set the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES), which prohibits landlords from granting new tenancies or renewing existing tenancies where the property has an EPC rating below E.

When it applies

• Any property marketed to let must have a valid EPC
• A new tenancy cannot be granted if the EPC rating is F or G (without a valid registered exemption)
• Existing tenancies since 1 April 2020 also cannot continue if the rating is below E (without exemption)

What landlords must do

• Commission an EPC from an accredited domestic energy assessor if you don’t have a valid one
• 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 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

What evidence to keep

• Current EPC certificate (PDF) with rating and expiry date
• Details of any registered exemptions
• Evidence of improvement works if carried out to meet MEES
• Record of when and how the EPC was provided to the tenant

Common mistakes

• Letting without a valid EPC — the EPC must exist and be valid before marketing begins
• Serving an old version — always check the current EPC is within its 10-year validity
• Failing to register exemptions — if you claim an exemption, it must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register or it doesn’t count
• Not tracking the renewal date — use reminders so you don’t inadvertently let on an expired certificate
• Ignoring the proposed uplift — the government has proposed a C-rating requirement by 2030; start planning energy improvements now

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.