Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for privately rented properties

We want to help landlords, agents and tenants understand how to improve the energy rating of privately rented properties in Liverpool and what happens if they do not.

What is the minimum energy efficiency standard?

Privately rented properties with an energy performance certificate (EPC) are rated on a scale of A-G. The legal minimum standard they must meet now is E. From 2030, this will change to C.

A property with an EPC rating of F or G must be improved to E immediately, or be registered for an exemption which lasts for five years. To register an exemption on GOV.UK landlords must provide evidence that energy efficiency improvements will:

need third party consent
cost more than £3,500, or that £3,500 or more has already been spent
devalue the property

Other reasons may also be accepted - please read the full guidance on exemptions and the evidence requirements on GOV.UK.

How to check an energy efficiency rating

An EPC will give an energy efficiency rating and an environmental impact rating. It will also estimate the energy use, carbon dioxide emissions, lighting, heating and hot water per year, along with the potential annual costs for each.

If a property has been marketed for sale or to let, or it has been modified in the past 10 years, it should have an EPC.

Find an EPC by postcode on GOV.UK

It is a legal requirement to have an EPC for a privately rented property. An EPC can be obtained from a qualified assessor. A landlord can book a property assessment online on GOV.UK.

How to improve an energy rating

We can help landlords apply for a Green Grant which is subject to eligibility and a survey. Contact mees@liverpool.gov.uk for further advice and guidance.

How much will improvement work cost?

The maximum cost of rating an EPC rating from F or G to E is £3,500 including VAT. Find out more about typical improvement costs on GOV.UK.

Enforcement action we take

In September 2021, we investigated 467 privately rented properties in Liverpool with a G rating and, following a review, sent out letters to most of these properties offering advice about funding and other sources of help.

Where landlords did not notify us of an exemption, supply a new EPC or improvements to the energy rating of the property, compliance notices were issued. These will be followed up with further notices which may result in fines of up to £5,000.

All landlords are strongly advised to take action and speak to their tenants and other interested parties to improve energy ratings to comply with the minimum requirements.

How we can help if your landlord fails to take action

A landlord must comply with their legal obligations to improve the property to a minimum standard - an EPC rating of E. If your landlord fails to take action, please contact mees@liverpool.gov.uk for further advice and guidance.

MEES webinars

Between September 2021 and March 2022 the council was funded by Midlands Energy Hub, on behalf of Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), to run a MEES project that engaged and enforced MEES regulations in the Liverpool’s private rented sector.

As part of the project, we held three public webinars to raise awareness of the regulations and engage with local stakeholders.

During the series we introduced MEES, and the approaches landlords can take to ensure compliance.
In webinar 1 we discussed the EPC, how to make an exemption, the financial options available at the time.
In webinar 2 we concentrated on some of the practical approaches landlords can take to ensure F and G EPC’s comply with minimum energy efficiency standards.
In the final webinar we looked at what we have learned from the project and how we can continue to use MEES regulations in Liverpool.

You can watch all the recorded MEES project webinars from the series below