Advice on minimum energy efficiency standards
In 2018, the government made new rules called the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) to make private rented buildings in England and Wales better. These rules aim to:
There are plans to make rental homes more energy efficient in the future. New rules for the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) might start in 2025 to improve energy efficiency in rental properties.
We are keeping an eye on Government changes, but the latest news is that rental homes will need an EPC rating of "C" by 2030.
We will keep this page updated as more information becomes available and send updates out via our landlord newsletter.
As a landlord, it's very important to make sure your property meets energy efficiency standards. Here's what you need to know:
All privately rented homes must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E. Homes with a rating of F or G cannot be rented out, affecting both new and current rentals.
An EPC is needed whenever a property is built, sold, or rented. It gives:
EPCs rate properties from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and are valid for 10 years. Landlords can be fined if they don't get an EPC when needed.
If your property has been improved since your last review, think about renewing your EPC to show the current energy efficiency rating.
These rules aim to make rental homes use less energy, which helps tenants save money on energy bills. Making homes more energy-efficient also helps the UK reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change. Homes with high EPC ratings are more attractive to tenants and can be rented out for more money, which is good for landlords. Plus, if you’re planning on selling a high EPC will add to the property value.
We use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to enforce housing standards.
Even if your property has an EPC E rating, you must provide good heating and comfort.
Not following the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) can lead to fines of up to £5,000.
Our inspection checklist shows what we look for under HHSRS, but it's just a guide.
Some properties that need an EPC and are rented out might be exempt from MEES rules if they can't be improved to meet the minimum E rating. These exemptions include:
Historic and listed buildings, or those in conservation areas, might not have to follow some energy efficiency rules if it would change their look. However, many small changes might still be okay. Always ask the Planning Department for advice and get the necessary permissions.
For guidance on improving energy efficiency, visit:
By staying informed and taking action, you can make sure your property meets all the rules, making it more valuable and attractive. If you have any questions or need help, feel free to ask!
Find out about applying for a grant to help you cut your energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Energy companies provide the funding for this grant, not the council.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a rule for energy companies. It helps households lower their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by installing energy-saving measures. Find more information on the ECO obligation on the GOV.UK site
Flexible eligibility is a new way to help certain households, especially those:
The scheme gives out government grant money from energy companies and is run by agents. We support flexible eligibility and plan to use it to reduce fuel poverty in Torbay.
We will confirm if a client is eligible after they complete the application form. Our job is just to confirm eligibility. We won't know:
Please look at our plan to find out who can join.
To submit an Ecoflex application you need a valid account with MyTorbay.