Commercial MEES update: what landlords need to know now

Mon 22 June 2026

The Government has published its response to the consultation on future Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for privately rented commercial properties.

It is important to note that this is not yet a finalised set of regulations, but it does provide the clearest indication yet of the Government's intended direction of travel for non-domestic MEES. As a result, commercial landlords and property owners should begin considering the potential impact on their portfolios now rather than waiting for any future legislation to be introduced.

What has changed?

1. EPC C by 2027 has been scrapped

The proposed requirement for commercial properties to achieve EPC C by 2027 will no longer go ahead. This gives landlords and occupiers more time to plan energy efficiency improvements.

2. EPC B by 2030 has been replaced

Instead of applying an EPC B requirement across all rented commercial properties, the Government now proposes that only larger buildings over 1,000m² will need to achieve EPC B from 2031, where improvements are considered cost-effective.

3. Smaller commercial properties remain at EPC E

For commercial properties below 1,000m², the current minimum EPC E requirement will remain in place, with no new minimum standard currently proposed.

4. Existing exemptions remain unchanged

The current MEES exemptions and 7-year payback test are expected to remain, meaning landlords would only be required to undertake energy efficiency improvements that are considered cost-effective.

What does this mean for commercial landlords?

For owners of larger commercial buildings (over 1,000m²), EPC B remains the long-term target.

For owners of smaller commercial properties, there are currently no proposed changes beyond the existing EPC E standard.

Whilst these proposals still need to be translated into legislation, they provide valuable insight into how future MEES requirements are likely to develop. Property owners who start reviewing their assets now will be in a much stronger position than those who wait until regulations are finalised or compliance deadlines approach.

Why plan ahead?

Energy efficiency improvements may require significant investment and can be more cost-effective when incorporated into planned maintenance, refurbishment or lease events. This can help to spread costs over time, improve tenant retention, reduce energy costs and protect asset value.

For further information, please contact Benedict Hall in RH & RW Clutton's Commercial Department.

• SHARE
• 
•