Energy Performance Certificates for business premises
When you need an Energy Performance Certificate for commercial property, the minimum E rating requirement for lettings under …
Construction & Property
Compliance and licensing
Meet energy efficiency standards for let properties
Legal requirement to achieve minimum EPC rating E for residential lettings. Covers England and Wales MEES regulations, exemptions, and penalties for non-compliance.
UK-wide
Guide summary
If you rent out homes in England or Wales, make sure they have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or better. You could be fined up to £5,000 if your property is rated F or G, unless you have a valid exemption.
- Get an EPC for your rental property
- Minimum EPC rating: E or better
- Effective from 1 April 2020 (existing tenancies)
- Cost cap for improvements: £3,500 including VAT
- Letting F/G property (<3 months): £2,000 fine
- Letting F/G property (3+ months): £4,000 fine
- False exemption info: £1,000 fine
- Keep receipts for all improvements
- Register an exemption if you cannot improve to E
- Get new EPC after improvements
On this page
UK-wide
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If you let residential property in England or Wales, you must ensure it meets minimum energy efficiency standards. From 1 April 2020, all let properties in England and Wales require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or better under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations 2015. Letting a property rated F or G in England or Wales is subject to civil enforcement penalties of up to £5,000 unless you have registered a valid exemption.
Penalties for non-compliance
Local authorities can impose civil financial penalties for breaches of MEES regulations:
- Up to £2,000 for letting a non-compliant property for less than 3 months
- Up to £4,000 for letting a non-compliant property for 3 months or more
- Up to £1,000 for providing false or misleading information on the PRS Exemptions Register
- Maximum £5,000 total penalty per property per breach
Authorities may also publish details of the breach for at least 12 months.
Next steps if your property is below E rating
If your EPC shows F or G rating:
- Get three quotes for energy efficiency improvements recommended in the EPC
- Install cost-effective measures up to £3,500 (including VAT) - this is your legal obligation
- Get a new EPC after improvements to verify the new rating
- Register an exemption if property remains below E rating after spending £3,500
Keep all receipts and documentation to prove compliance if challenged.