The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES regulations) include a defined exemptions framework. Most apply to the existing E-rating floor and are expected to be carried forward to the proposed 2027 C-rating uplift, though final exemption rules for 2027 remain subject to the published consultation response.

The current exemption categories under the MEES regulations are:

Seven-year payback — where the cost of energy efficiency improvements cannot be repaid through energy savings within seven years.
All-relevant-improvements — where all cost-effective improvements have been made and the property still falls short of the rating.
Wall insulation rejection — where a qualified expert advises that cavity, internal, or external wall insulation would damage the property or be unsuitable.
Third-party consent refusal — where a tenant, lender, planning authority, or superior landlord has refused consent for the necessary works.
Devaluation — where an independent surveyor confirms the improvements would reduce the property’s market value by more than 5%.
New landlord — temporary six-month exemption when a property is newly let or comes into scope.

Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register within six months of when the property would otherwise become unlawful to let. They last for up to five years and must then be reviewed.

Important: an exemption is not a permanent escape route. Each one has documentation requirements and any change in circumstances (such as a tenant agreeing to works that were previously refused) immediately reopens the obligation.

Vital EPC Plus reports identify which exemptions a property may legitimately claim and produce the evidence pack needed to register them. Contact Vital Direct to discuss your portfolio.