An old headline about a government “U-turn” on tougher energy rules can leave landlords with the wrong impression. The position has moved on, and it helps to separate the standard in force today from the higher standard the government has announced for the future.
The current minimum
For a domestic private rented home in England or Wales, first check whether the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) apply. The rules cover specified tenancy types where the property is legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If a covered property is rated F or G, a landlord generally cannot let or continue to let it unless the home is improved to at least E or a valid exemption is registered. Not every property or tenancy is in scope, so check the official guidance for the exact circumstances.
An exemption is not simply an informal note in a property file. Where one applies, it must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register and supported by the required evidence. Check its type, date, evidence and expiry. An exemption can be property-specific and time-limited; do not assume that a previous owner’s registration or an expired entry still protects you.
The announced higher standard
In January 2026, the government published its response to the consultation on improving energy performance in privately rented homes. It says all in-scope tenancies must meet a new dual-metric standard by 1 October 2030, with a £10,000 per-property cost cap and a set of exemptions. Government says the existing EPC E minimum continues until the higher standard applies. The detailed rules and updated landlord guidance are still to follow, so treat this as the announced policy direction rather than a substitute for checking the regulations in force when you act.
The response also says homes that achieve EPC C on the existing Energy Efficiency Rating metric before 1 October 2029 will count as meeting the higher standard until that EPC expires or is replaced. It describes separate future metrics and a process for homes that do not qualify through this route. Do not assume that an older EPC or a contractor’s estimate proves compliance with requirements that have not yet taken effect.
A practical file to prepare
Keep the current EPC, improvement recommendations, dated quotes, invoices, funding records, permissions and any exemption registration together against the property address. If you plan works, get suitable technical advice and check any permissions required for the building. Save the EPC issued after works as well. These records make it easier to understand what has been done and to respond when final guidance is published.
For each property, check the latest official material before letting, renewing or committing to major works. The rule can depend on the home, tenancy and timing. This guide is general information, not legal, energy-survey or retrofit advice.
Sources: GOV.UK, Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard — landlord guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance GOV.UK, Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: government response: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes/outcome/government-response