Under the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations 2015, a landlord can register a valid exemption if a property genuinely can’t reach the required minimum rating (currently EPC E) — or in narrower circumstances, if reaching it isn’t achievable at no cost to the landlord under the existing funding rules.
Common exemption categories today
All relevant improvements have been made and the property still doesn’t reach the minimum.
A relevant measure isn’t available at no cost under the current funding framework.
A third party (e.g. a tenant or superior landlord) has refused consent needed for the work.
A independent surveyor reports the measure would reduce the property’s market value by more than a set amount.
Exemptions must be formally registered on the PRS Exemptions Register and are generally valid for five years — they don’t apply automatically just because a landlord believes one should.
What isn’t confirmed yet
The exemption categories for the proposed future EPC C standard haven’t been finalised — that detail is set when the legislation is enacted, with legislation targeted for 2027 under the government’s confirmed policy direction. Whatever applies to the current E-band exemptions won’t necessarily carry over unchanged.
What Instilus does and doesn’t do here
Instilus estimates a property’s current band and an indicative cost to close a gap. It does not assess, register, or determine eligibility for any exemption — that determination sits with the formal exemption process and, where relevant, a qualified assessor or legal adviser, not with Instilus.
Check your property’s real EPC band free → no email required
Top comments (0)