In 2018, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were introduced for new tenancies which saw privately rented homes requiring an Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) rating of E or above. This was then extended to existing tenancy agreements in 2020.
The government has since consulted and is expected to announce that as of 2025, all rental properties securing new tenancy agreements will be required to have an EPC rating of ‘C’ and above, extending to existing tenancy agreements in 2028.
Properties below the required energy efficiency will no longer be compliant and will require energy efficiency upgrades before they can be legally tenanted.
However, this is not the end goal. All UK homes are legally required to meet Net Zero targets by 2050 and it is highly anticipated that landlords will be faced with further MEES updates within the next decade.