The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 require all private rented properties to have an EPC rating of at least E. This applies to all tenancies � new and existing. F and G properties cannot lawfully be let without a registered exemption.
What exemptions are available?
- Cost Cap � improvements to reach E would cost more than �3,500 incl. VAT
- Third Party Consent � consent refused by freeholder, superior landlord, or local authority
- Wall Insulation � specific solid wall insulation exemption
- New Landlord � six-month temporary exemption (inheritance, repossession)
All exemptions must be registered on the government PRS Exemptions Register � they are not self-certifying.
The �5,000 penalty
Local authorities enforce MEES. Penalties: up to �2,000 for sub-3-month breaches, up to �4,000 for 3 months or more, plus �1,000 for publishing false information. Maximum total per property: �5,000.
The road to EPC C
The Government has proposed raising the minimum to EPC C � new tenancies by 2028, all tenancies by 2030 � with a �15,000 cost cap. As of mid-2026 EPC E remains the legally enforceable minimum. Landlords with F, G, or D-rated properties should plan improvement works now.