Elmhurst responds to consultation on MEES for the Social Rented Sector in England
On 2nd July 2025, the Government released a consultation proposing an introduction of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the Social Rented Sector in England. The consultation closed on 12th September 2025, and Elmhurst Energy were pleased to respond on behalf of their members.
What does the Consultation cover?
Socially rented homes are not currently required to meet a minimum EPC standard, and according to the government, current requirements are roughly equivalent to an EPC ‘F’ rating. The government’s preferred outcome of this consultation is to set a new standard for social landlords to get to EPC C or equivalent by 1st April 2030. This aligns with what has already been proposed within the domestic private rented sector.
The consultation covered the below areas:
- Use of New EPC Metrics – Wider reforms to EPCs have already been consulted on and proposed four new primary metrics (Fabric Performance, Heating System, Smart Readiness and Energy Cost). This consultation proposes to use one or a combination of the first three metrics, rather than just relying on a cost-based metric.
- Fabric-First Approach – Landlords are encouraged to prioritise improvements to insulation, ventilation, and airtightness before upgrading heating systems.
- Exemptions – The government is considering a range of targeted exemptions, some of which are already part of the existing DHS and may be retained or adapted.
- Cost Cap – A proposed £10,000 cost cap means that if a property receives this level of investment but still doesn’t reach Band C, it may be considered compliant for up to ten years.
- Part of the Decent Homes Standard – The proposed MEES would form part of the Decent Homes Standard which has also been open for consultation, and is expected to be introduced in wither 2035 or 2037. Elmhurst have also responded to this consultation. Within this consultation areas such as damp and mould, overheating and thermal comfort were being explored.
Elmhurst’s Response Summary
Below you can find a summary of our responses to both the consultation for MEES in the Social Rented Sector and The Decent Homes Standard.
SRS MEES Response Summary
Elmhurst Energy welcomes the government’s consultation on improving energy efficiency in the social rented sector and supports the proposed dual metric approach, which balances building fabric and heating system performance. We agree with the 2030 compliance deadline, provided it is supported by clear guidance, skilled assessors, and flexibility for hard-to-treat homes. We also advocate for maintaining the core metrics of cost, carbon, and consumption, and support transitional recognition of existing EPC Band C ratings until expiry under the reformed framework.
We endorse a £10,000 per-property spend exemption but recommend reducing the exemption period from 10 to 5 years to align with EPC reform and the proposed reduction in validity period. We also support a targeted rollout of smart meters, particularly during void periods or retrofit projects, and encourage incentives and awareness campaigns to boost uptake. Finally, we stress the importance of data integrity and robust oversight in EPC assessments to ensure consistency and fairness across the sector.
Decent Homes Standard Response Summary
Elmhurst Energy welcomes the opportunity to respond to the consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard (DHS) for social and privately rented homes. We support removing age as a factor in defining disrepair, advocating instead for a focus on condition and performance. We agree with updating disrepair thresholds to be more descriptive and support clearer definitions for users. We also endorse the requirement for whole-home heating distribution, noting its importance in preventing damp, mould, and fuel poverty. Additionally, we strongly recommend that overheating risk be included in the DHS, aligning with Part O of the Building Regulations, to protect tenants as the climate warms.
Elmhurst recommends aligning the DHS implementation date with MEES in 2030, allowing for coordinated upgrades and reduced tenant disruption. We also support phasing in MEES-related elements earlier and call for clear government guidance on tenant refusals and exemptions due to sale, demolition, or regeneration.
Read our Full Consultation Responses
You can read both of our responses to the Social Rented Sector MEES Consultation and the Decent Homes Standard Consultation below.
READ SRS MEES RESPONSE READ DHS RESPONSE