What are MEES regulations?

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are rules that set the lowest EPC rating a property must have before it can be rented. For commercial buildings in England and Wales, the minimum standard is currently an E rating. This means you generally can’t grant a new lease, or renew an existing one, if the building has an F or G rating unless a valid exemption is registered on the government’s PRS Exemptions Register.

MEES were introduced to improve the overall efficiency of the UK’s building stock and to reduce energy waste and carbon emissions. The regulations are enforced by local authorities and can lead to substantial fines for non-compliance. For landlords, keeping on top of MEES isn’t just about avoiding penalties, a compliant rating also makes a property easier to market and more appealing to tenants.

If your building currently falls below the required standard, an updated Commercial EPC assessment and a few targeted upgrades can often fix the issue quickly.