Tips on MEES changes: What landlords need to know and what to do now
Landlords are still operating under the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, but proposed reforms and decisions currently being made will shape how manageable future compliance becomes. This article sets out the rules as they stand today, what may change, and how landlords can prepare sensibly.
Current baseline: EPC E remains the minimum
For now, the legal minimum for most private rented homes in England and Wales remains EPC band E. Since 1 April 2020, landlords generally cannot let, or continue to let, properties rated F or G unless a valid exemption is registered.
The government has consulted on raising MEES to EPC C by 2030. While this is not yet law, the direction of travel is clear and long lead times for retrofit mean landlords should factor this into forward planning now. Its preferred approach would apply to new tenancies from 2028 and apply to all tenancies by 2030.
The proposals also go beyond simply changing the target band. Government has consulted on reforming how EPCs work, including moving away from a single headline score, and on introducing a higher cost cap for required improvement works as part of the proposed EPC C framework, after which landlords could still register an exemption if further upgrades are not cost-effective. The consultation suggests a cap of £15,000 per property, after which landlords could register an exemption if the property still does not meet the standard, with the cap and exemptions expected to operate alongside the proposed 2028 and 2030 implementation dates.
The proposals also signal stronger future enforcement, with maximum fines discussed up to £30,000 per breach per property.
Funding and support: timing matters as much as eligibility
If you are planning upgrades, timing matters. Many schemes are time-limited, and delays can narrow your options. ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme are described as running to 31 March 2026, which means eligibility driven installs may tighten as deadlines approach.
Warm Homes: Local Grant is set out as running from April 2025 to March 2028. This is England only and delivered via local authorities.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants up to £7,500 for heat pumps and is listed as open until 31 December 2027 with a possible extension in line with the upcoming Warm Homes plan.
A PAS 2035 style retrofit assessment can help sequence measures safely, especially where insulation and ventilation interact. It can also reduce the risk of unintended consequences and rework later.
What to do now: decisions that reduce cost and risk later
Budget realistically and build in contingency
Retrofit works often uncover unexpected issues, such as hidden damp, rotten joists, or outdated wiring. Build in a contingency of around 20 to 30 percent to manage these risks. A realistic budget reduces delays, protects your investment, and helps keep projects on track.
Use data wisely before you commit
Digital planning tools can help landlords compare upgrade pathways before committing to surveys or works. For example, Domna’s Ara software allows landlords to model different EPC outcomes, explore funding eligibility, and plan upgrades across a portfolio. Data informed planning helps improve sequencing and reduces the risk of wasted spend.
Work with an expert
Working with a professional retrofit company can improve quality and help landlords avoid common delivery and compliance pitfalls. This can include a remote portfolio assessment using modelling tools with minimal disruption, onsite PAS 2035 compliant surveys with retrofit design and coordination, and EPC certification.
Final thought: act early rather than react later
Retrofit is not just about regulation. Done well, it can increase tenant comfort, reduce running costs, and protect long term asset value. The smartest approach is to start planning now, before demand peaks, contractor capacity tightens, and compliance deadlines close in.
Get full access to Domna’s EPC C planning app for a one-off fee of £50 (usually £150).
