How long does a MEES exemption last?

Most MEES exemptions last five years; a new-landlord exemption is shorter, and a consent exemption can end if consent is later granted. After expiry you must retry improvements or re-register if grounds still apply.

Where do I register a MEES exemption?

On the national PRS Exemptions Register. You must submit the exemption ground and supporting evidence before relying on it — self-assessment alone does not make you compliant.

Can AI-EPC tell me if I qualify for an exemption?

AI-EPC is AI-assisted: it can help you interpret your EPC and understand which exemption grounds might apply. Any official EPC must still be assessed and lodged by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor — the AI supports interpretation and planning and never replaces the accredited assessor.

MEES exemptions

MEES exemptions explained: when you can let below the standard

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Updated June 2026

Quick answer

A MEES exemption lets you lawfully let a property below the minimum EPC standard when reaching it is not cost-effective or possible. You must meet a specific exemption ground — such as the cost cap or third-party consent refusal — and register it on the PRS Exemptions Register before relying on it.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Exemption grounds, durations and the cost cap are set by regulations and can change, and the proposed EPC C standard is still subject to consultation. Always confirm the current rules on GOV.UK and have an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor assess your property.

Sometimes a property genuinely cannot reach the minimum EPC standard cost-effectively. MEES provides a framework of exemptions for these cases. This guide explains the main exemption types, how long they last, and how to register one correctly.

What is a MEES exemption?

A MEES exemption allows you to let a property below the minimum EPC standard without breaching the regulations. It does not remove your obligation permanently — it recognises that improvement is not currently reasonable, possible or cost-effective.

Crucially, an exemption only protects you once it is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register with the right supporting evidence. Self-assessing without registering does not make you compliant.

Source: Registering a MEES exemption, GOV.UK

What types of MEES exemption are there?

Several distinct exemption grounds exist, each with its own evidence requirements.

High-cost (cost-cap) exemption

Applies when no improvement can be made within the regulatory cost cap. You must evidence three quotes showing the relevant measures would exceed the cap.

All-improvements-made exemption

Applies when all relevant cost-effective improvements have been made but the property still falls below the standard.

Third-party consent exemption

Applies when a necessary consent — from a tenant, lender, superior landlord or planning authority — has been refused or granted only on unreasonable conditions.

Wall-insulation devaluation exemption

Applies when a suitably qualified expert advises that wall insulation would damage the property or reduce its market value by more than five per cent.

Temporary and new-landlord exemptions

A time-limited exemption can apply where someone has recently become a landlord in specific circumstances, giving a short window to act.

How long do MEES exemptions last?

Most exemptions last for five years, after which you must try again to improve the property or register a fresh exemption if grounds still apply. Some exemptions are shorter.

MEES exemption types, what they cover and typical duration
Exemption type	What it covers	Typical duration
High-cost (cost cap)	No measure can be made within the cost cap	5 years
All improvements made	Relevant measures done but still below standard	5 years
Third-party consent	Required consent refused or unreasonably conditioned	5 years or until consent given
Wall-insulation devaluation	Insulation would damage or devalue the property	5 years
New landlord (temporary)	Recently became a landlord in defined circumstances	6 months

Source: Registering a MEES exemption, GOV.UK

How do I register on the PRS Exemptions Register?

Exemptions are not automatic — you must register each one on the national PRS Exemptions Register and supply the supporting evidence for your chosen ground.

Keep copies of everything you submit. If your circumstances change or the exemption expires, you will need to act again or re-register.

Confirm the property's current EPC band and that it is below the standard.
Identify which single exemption ground fits your situation.
Assemble the evidence that ground requires (quotes, refusals, expert reports).
Register the exemption and details on the PRS Exemptions Register.
Diary the expiry date and retain all records securely.

Source: Registering a MEES exemption, GOV.UK

Frequently asked questions

How long does a MEES exemption last?: Most MEES exemptions last five years; a new-landlord exemption is shorter, and a consent exemption can end if consent is later granted. After expiry you must retry improvements or re-register if grounds still apply.
Where do I register a MEES exemption?: On the national PRS Exemptions Register. You must submit the exemption ground and supporting evidence before relying on it — self-assessment alone does not make you compliant.
Can AI-EPC tell me if I qualify for an exemption?: AI-EPC is AI-assisted: it can help you interpret your EPC and understand which exemption grounds might apply. Any official EPC must still be assessed and lodged by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor — the AI supports interpretation and planning and never replaces the accredited assessor.

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