By law, if you own and rent out a domestic property, it must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating of E or above, unless it is exempted. This is because of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations.

Read the MEES guidance (GOV.UK) to find out about:

  • EPCs and how to get an EPC rating
  • which properties are covered by the regulations
  • selecting energy efficiency measures
  • registering an exemption

If your property’s EPC rating is F or G

You must improve your property’s EPC rating to E or above, or register an exemption, if you are letting or planning to let the property. You need to do this: 

  • immediately, if you are currently letting the property
  • before you enter into a new tenancy, if you are not currently letting the property

You will never be required to spend more than £3,500 (including VAT) on energy efficiency improvements. If you cannot improve your property’s EPC rating to E for £3,500 or less, you should make all the improvements that can be made up to that amount, then register an ‘all improvements made’ exemption.

You may be able to get funding to help with the cost of making the necessary improvements. See our energy efficiency grants and finance page for some ideas.

If you are unable to secure any funding, you need to use your own funds to improve your property, unless it is exempt.

If you believe the property cannot be improved to meet the minimum E EPC rating, you can apply for an exemption on GOV.UK.

Enforcement

If we believe a landlord has failed to fulfil their obligations under the MEES regulations, we can serve the landlord with a compliance notice requesting information to help us decide whether a breach has occurred.

A compliance notice may request information on:

  • the EPC that was valid for the time when the property was let
  • the tenancy agreement used for letting the property
  • information on energy efficiency improvements made
  • any Energy Advice Report in relation to the property
  • any other relevant document

If a landlord fails to comply with the MEES regulations, we can issue a financial penalty of up to £5,000.

Tenants

Your landlord is responsible for complying with the MEES regulations.

You can check your home’s EPC online.

For advice on how to cut your energy bills, see: Get help to make your home warmer and save energy.

Contact us

Housing Enforcement 
Housing Needs and Strategy
London Borough of Merton
Civic Centre
London Road
SM4 5DX

Email: energyefficiencyPRS@merton.gov.uk