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MEES Regulations
MEES compliance for commercial property
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards set the lowest EPC rating at which a commercial property can legally be let. Here's what's law, what's coming, and what to do about it.
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Enter any commercial postcode to see EPC ratings, expiry dates, and MEES compliance status. Live data from the official register.
Check MEES compliance freeThe basics
What are MEES regulations?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are set out in the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. They make it unlawful to let a commercial property that falls below a minimum EPC rating.
Since 1 April 2023, the minimum has been EPC E for all commercial tenancies in England and Wales. Properties rated F or G cannot be let unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
The government has consulted on raising the minimum to EPC C by 2027/28 and EPC B by 2030. Neither threshold is law yet, but both are widely expected to land. Over 80% of London commercial stock is currently rated below EPC B.
Timeline
MEES deadlines at a glance
1 Apr 2018In force
EPC E minimum on new leases
Unlawful to grant a new commercial lease on F or G rated property.
1 Apr 2023In force
EPC E extended to all leases
Prohibition extended to all continuing commercial leases, regardless of when the tenancy started.
2027/28Proposed
Proposed EPC C minimum
Consulted but not yet legislated. Treat as highly likely for capex planning.
2030Proposed
Proposed EPC B minimum
Further tightening under consultation. Will affect the majority of London commercial stock.
Enforcement
MEES penalties
Penalties are per property, not per portfolio. A landlord with five non-compliant buildings in the same borough could face five separate enforcement actions. Enforcement sits with local authority Trading Standards teams.
Under 3 monthsUp to £50,000
Greater of £5,000 or 10% of rateable value
3 months or moreUp to £150,000
Greater of £10,000 or 20% of rateable value
Publication penaltyPublic record
Landlord named on the PRS Exemptions Register for 12+ months
Read more: MEES penalties for commercial landlords
Exemptions
Can you register an exemption?
Not every commercial building can be improved to meet the minimum. The regulations provide four exemption categories. Each must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register with supporting evidence.
Seven-year payback
5 yearsAll possible improvements fail to pay back within seven years. Requires current EPC, Recommendation Report, and three contractor quotes.
Consent
5 yearsA tenant, superior landlord, or planning authority has refused consent for the required works.
Devaluation
5 yearsAn RICS surveyor confirms improvements would reduce market value by more than 5%.
New landlord
6 monthsSix-month grace period from acquiring the property (purchase, inheritance, or receivership).
Read more: MEES exemptions explained
Action plan
What to do now
1
Check your current position
Use our free MEES checker to see the EPC rating and expiry date for every commercial property at your postcode. If any property is rated F or G, it cannot legally be let without an exemption.
Check now for free→2
Get a current EPC
Many landlords are relying on certificates lodged years ago against older calculation methodology. A fresh assessment often shifts the rating by a band, sometimes in your favour. The Recommendation Report lists the improvements that would lift it further.
Get a quote→3
Plan for EPC C
If your property is rated D or E, start planning now. Most MEES improvement programmes on older London stock take 12 to 24 months from re-rating to completed works and re-lodgement. A 2027 deadline is a 2026 conversation.
Read our improvement guide→Ratings
Understanding EPC ratings
Commercial EPCs rate buildings from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The rating determines whether your property can legally be let under MEES.
Energy rating
CO₂ emissions score
- A0-25Most efficient
- B26-50
- C51-75
- D76-100
- E101-125
- F126-150
- G151+Least efficient
Lower scores are better. New commercial buildings typically target B or better; sub-E ratings cannot legally be let under MEES.
Want to understand what affects your rating? EPC ratings explained
Further reading
MEES guides
Deadline
MEES 2027 deadline: what London landlords need to do now
Read article →PenaltiesMEES penalties: fines, enforcement and how to avoid them
Read article →ExemptionsMEES exemptions explained for commercial property
Read article →ImprovementsHow to improve your commercial EPC rating from D to C
Read article →Common questions
MEES compliance FAQ
What EPC rating do I need to let a commercial property?
Under current MEES regulations, commercial properties in England and Wales need a minimum EPC rating of E to be legally let. Properties rated F or G cannot be leased unless a valid exemption is registered. The government has proposed raising this minimum to C by 2027/28 and to B by 2030.
What is the maximum MEES fine for a commercial property?
£150,000 per property. For breaches under three months, the penalty is the greater of £5,000 or 10% of the rateable value, capped at £50,000. For breaches over three months, it rises to the greater of £10,000 or 20% of rateable value, capped at £150,000.
Who enforces commercial MEES?
Local authority Trading Standards teams (weights and measures authorities). They can serve compliance notices requiring EPC data and tenancy information going back 12 months. Several London boroughs including Westminster, Camden and Southwark have begun proactive audits.
Are listed buildings exempt from MEES?
Not automatically. A listed building is only exempt if compliance would unacceptably alter its character or appearance. You need written evidence (ideally from the local planning authority) and must register the consent exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register.
Can I register a MEES exemption before I am in breach?
Yes, and it is good practice. Registering proactively before a lease event means you have evidence in place before an enforcement officer asks. Most prudent landlords register exemptions well ahead of any trigger date.
How do I check if my property is MEES compliant?
Enter your postcode into our free MEES Compliance Checker. It pulls live data from the official EPC register and shows the rating, expiry date, and compliance status for every commercial property at that postcode.
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