Landlords could face fines of up to £30,000 for breaching new energy rules

Fines of up to £30,000 could be levied on landlords who don’t meet strict new minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) – an increase of 500%.

The proposals are included in the Government’s Energy Independence Bill, which was introduced on the 4th of November, and aims to strengthen local authorities’ powers to monitor and enforce the new rules.

It also includes proposals that will prevent you advertising your properties if they don’t meet the new standards and allow local authorities to carry out checks to make sure homes are compliant.

The new MEES rules, set to be introduced in 2030 will introduce a new minimum EPC rating of C in the private rented sector.

If properties don’t meet this rating  – or have a registered exemption – it will be illegal to rent them out.

What could change for landlords?

The Bill includes proposals to:

• Allow authorities to inspect properties to determine whether energy efficiency requirements are met.
• Establish regulations to set out requirements for landlords to allow access for compliance inspections.
• Provide powers to restrict the marketing of homes to rent where energy efficiency requirements are not met.
• Strengthen information-gathering and reporting arrangements to help authorities identify non-compliant properties.

However, the exact procedures, responsibilities and safeguards will depend on detailed regulations made under these powers, which still need to be laid.

New £30,000 fine the top of the scale

While plans to increase the maximum civil penalty for breaching domestic MEES regulations is one of the most significant proposals in the Bill, the Government has made it clear a £30,000 would be a maximum, not an automatic fine for every breach.

Does the Bill introduce the EPC C deadline?

No. The Energy Independence Bill does not require privately rented homes to reach EPC C by 2030. That deadline is a separate policy commitment requiring further legislation and regulations. The Bill is part of broader MEES changes, not the law establishing the deadline.

What is the NRLA doing?

We first updated members on the Government's plans for the Energy Independence Bill when it was announced in the King's Speech in May 2026. 

Since then we have been engaging with the Government as it develops energy efficiency policy, to ensure that requirements for the private rented sector are fair, proportionate and achievable.

We recognise the importance of improving the energy performance of rented homes and helping tenants access warmer, more affordable properties.

However we have stressed that any new requirements must also reflect the practical and financial challenges landlords face when improving existing properties. 

As the Bill progresses through Parliament, the NRLA will continue to scrutinise the proposals and engage with the Government about the implications for landlords.

We will also monitor the development of the secondary legislation and guidance that will determine how the new enforcement powers work in practice and keep you informed via our news centre and social media channels.

More information

• For more  information on our work around the new minimum energy efficiency standards you can access our MEES hub here.