2030 Changes to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

[Update: The launch of HEM based EPCs has been delayed until late 2027]

ℹ️ This post will be of interest to all private landlords in England and Wales, as well as their tenants.

Currently, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards require all privately rented properties to have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A-E.

Any property with an F or G must be renovated (up to £3,500 spend), or the landlord needs an exemption notice.

With the recent news that EPC formats are changing, and assessors are transitioning to the Home Energy Model (see previous posts), this is seen as the perfect time to update this Standard.

The new MEES rules will go live from October 2030. Landlords must ensure all rentals comply by this deadline.

Official info here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update

📊 To save writing 1,000 words, I've made a picture.. a flow chart to explain what compliance looks like. Hopefully my scribbles make sense! ⬇️ 

Private rental landlords should check the property's EPC. If the certificate is valid after October 2030 and achieves an A, B or C rating, no further action is required. Poor performing properties will need to be renovated to meet the new Standard.

🌰 In a nutshell, from Oct 2030:

🟩 If a property scores A-C using a current EPC, that's OK.

🟩 If a property scores A-C under the fabric metric of the new EPC (available from the end of 2026), that's OK. 

🟥 For properties with a D, E, F or G rating, the landlord must:

Spend up to £10,000 making the recommended fabric improvements outlined in the EPC recommendations.

This cost cap is limited to 10% of the property value, and includes the cost of having EPC surveys.

If the cost of completing fabric renovations comes in under-budget, the landlord can choose whether to also improve the EPC Heating metric (eg. change heating system or controls), or improve the EPC Smart metric (eg. install solar panels or loadshifting white goods).

On completion of the works, an updated EPC is required.

🚫 There's a list of exemptions that cover scenarios where renovation work can't be completed. These include solid wall concerns, third party consent, works are too expensive, short term lets, new ownership, negative impact on property, listed building conditions... the list goes on. See above link for details.

The landlord must apply for an exemption notice if they can't comply the MEES standard. Breaching this law comes with a maximum fine of £30,000! 💰💰

MEES doesn't cover social housing, but similar requirements are being rolled out in the coming years. I'll post about that separately.

This new system is designed to focus attention on those homes with the worst fabric performance.

Building owners will need to prioritise things like loft insulation, glazing, and air permeability testing before installing PV panels.

We've got a few years before this goes live, and there's still plenty of uncertainty around the roll-out of HEM. I'll share updates as they develop.