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MEES

MEES explained for commercial landlords.

13 November 2026 · 5 min read

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) set the lowest EPC rating a privately rented building can have and still be let. For commercial landlords in England and Wales the rules are changing, and the most quoted deadline, “EPC C by 2027”, is no longer on the table.

The rule today: EPC E

Since April 2023 you can’t continue to let a privately rented non-domestic property with an EPC rating of F or G, unless a valid exemption is registered. That covers existing leases, not just new lettings.

Where it is heading: EPC B from 2031

In its interim response of June 2026, the government set out a more targeted plan:

• Buildings over 1,000 m²: the intention is that privately rented non-domestic buildings of this size reach EPC B from 2031, where it is cost-effective.
• Buildings of 1,000 m² or less: stay at the EPC E minimum, with no set date to go further.
• EPC C by 2027: this interim milestone, proposed in 2021, has been dropped.

EPC B from 2031 is not law yet. It still needs secondary legislation and a full consultation response, and the details may change.

What “cost-effective” means

The current regime uses a seven-year payback test: you’re expected to carry out the improvements that pay for themselves through energy savings within seven years. Where the measures needed to reach the standard don’t pass that test, an exemption can be registered. The government has said this flexibility, and the exemptions, will stay.

Why larger landlords are starting now

• Lease events. A building with a lease ending in 2028 or 2029 is the obvious time to do the work, not in the middle of a tenancy.
• Value and finance. Lenders and buyers increasingly price EPC risk into valuations and loan terms.
• Lead times. Surveys, design, funding and installation for a major upgrade can take years.

A sensible order of work

1. Get current EPCs for every building, and check when each expires.
2. Map the route to B for buildings over 1,000 m²: which measures move the rating, in what order, at what cost and payback.
3. Time the works to your leases, voids and refurbishment cycles.
4. Measure, don’t assume. An Energy Fingerprint shows how the building really uses energy, so the plan is built on data rather than defaults.

Scotland

MEES applies to England and Wales. Scotland has its own rules for non-domestic buildings.

How we help

Our MEES route-maps give each building a costed, lease-aware route to EPC B, and our delivery partner GridUnlock can install the measures and re-assess the EPC when the work is done.

Sources: GOV.UK: Non-domestic private rented property minimum energy efficiency standard. Correct at the date shown; rules can change, so check the source or ask us before acting.