New MEES Register: What PRS Landlords Should Know
The UK government has launched a new online tool which allows users to view energy efficiency exemptions and enforcement action linked to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the private rented sector (PRS).
The digital service lists the private rental properties with registered MEES exemptions, as well as any penalties issued for failing to comply with the required standards.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for the Private Rented Sector
Under current MEES legislation, private rented sector properties require an Energy Performance Certificate rating of E or above, or a valid registered exemption.
The government has confirmed plans to raise PRS MEES to EPC C by 2030, therefore landlords should consider future requirements when reviewing EPCs, exemptions and improvement plans.
Exemption criteria and when they apply
In specific circumstances where a landlord cannot reasonably bring a property up to the minimum standard, an exemption may apply. For example, this could be where all relevant improvements have been made but the property remains below EPC E, or where the cost of the cheapest recommended improvement would exceed the current cost cap of £3,500 including VAT.
Other exemptions may apply where certain wall insulation measures would negatively affect the property, where required third-party consent cannot be obtained, or where an independent valuation shows that improvements would reduce the property’s value by more than 5%.
An exemption is only valid once it has been registered on the PRS Exemptions Register with the required supporting evidence. Landlords should not assume that a property is exempt unless the exemption has been correctly registered.
Most exemptions last 5 years, with some lasting as long as ten years, so landlords should ensure that any exemption they rely on remains valid, current and supported by the correct evidence. Once an exemption has expired, landlords are required to try again to improve the property’s EPC rating to E. If this is still not possible, a further exemption may be registered.
What is the new PRS Exemptions Register?
The new online tool enables users to search by postcode to find out if a property has a registered exemption or has been issued with a civil penalty for failing to comply with MEES. Where an exemption is listed, the register shows the exemption category, the date of registration and the stated reason.
Crucially, an exemption has no legal effect unless it has been correctly registered.
What the new register means for landlords
The launch of the register marks an important step towards greater transparency in how MEES exemptions are accessed and reviewed.
Landlords have been required to register exemptions for several years, but the information has not always been easy to find. The new public service changes this by making exemption and penalty information more accessible through a single online route.
For landlords and letting agents, this change provides an opportunity to review rental portfolios, check that any exemptions they rely on are valid, current and supported by appropriate evidence, and reassess the EPC status of properties, particularly where certificates are older, ratings are close to the minimum requirement, or improvement recommendations have not yet been actioned.
Those acquiring new rental properties should also verify the property’s EPC and exemption status independently, rather than rely on any existing exemptions as they may no longer apply. Properties with an EPC rating of F or G may only be lawfully let where a valid exemption appears on the PRS Exemptions Register. Exemptions most commonly last between five and ten years, and do not transfer if a property is sold.
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Where landlords are unsure, they should seek advice from a qualified energy professional. A Domestic Energy Assessor can provide an updated EPC, explain relevant recommendations and help landlords understand the practical steps available to improve a property’s energy performance.
Why EPCs and exemptions should be reviewed
The new register reinforces the importance of maintaining clear, accurate records for each rental property. This includes keeping EPC information, exemption evidence and improvement plans up to date so that landlords can demonstrate how they are meeting their obligations.
For properties with older EPCs, or those previously rated F or G, an updated assessment may provide a clearer picture of the property’s current position. It can also help identify whether previous recommendations are still appropriate, whether further improvements are possible, and whether the property is likely to remain compliant as policy expectations develop.
This is particularly relevant as the government continues to focus on improving energy efficiency standards across the private rented sector, with confirmed plans to raise PRS MEES to EPC C by 2030. While exemptions remain part of the current framework, they should be viewed as safeguards for specific circumstances rather than an alternative to implementing improvements.
Caroline Postles, Elmhurst’s Existing Dwellings Technical Team Manager, comments on the launch of the new PRS Exemptions Register:
The launch of the new PRS Exemptions Register is a very positive step for the sector, bringing greater transparency and accessibility to important compliance records. By making exemptions and enforcement data easier to view, the tool supports landlords and agents in understanding their obligations more clearly and encourages a more proactive approach to managing energy performance across their portfolios.
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If you need an EPC or want to review the energy performance of a rental property, Elmhurst accredited members can provide accurate assessments and clear guidance. All members are trained, qualified and regularly audited, with access to approved software, technical support and appropriate insurance.
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