{"id":2110866,"date":"2026-04-20T13:11:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T12:11:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebusinessdesk.com\/westmidlands\/?p=2110866"},"modified":"2026-04-20T13:14:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T12:14:09","slug":"changes-to-the-minimum-energy-efficiency-rating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebusinessdesk.com\/westmidlands\/news\/2110866-changes-to-the-minimum-energy-efficiency-rating","title":{"rendered":"Changes to the minimum energy efficiency rating"},"content":{"rendered":"

mfg Solicitors outlines major EPC rule changes set to reshape commercial property letting rules and increase compliance pressure for landlords ahead of 2030.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If current proposals are implemented, by 2030, all commercial buildings across England and Wales will be required to achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B in order to be legally let. Landlords who fail to meet the required standard risk financial penalties and restrictions on their ability to rent their properties.<\/p>\n

It is widely expected that the minimum EPC thresholds for commercial properties will be progressively increased in the coming years.<\/p>\n

Improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings is a key part of the UK\u2019s wider net-zero strategy. Official statistics indicate that buildings account for around 20% of the UK\u2019s total greenhouse gas emissions. At present, a significant proportion of commercial premises fall short of higher efficiency standards. The British Property Federation has previously reported that a large majority of commercial properties with EPC ratings do not meet anticipated future targets, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing landlords.<\/p>\n

An EPC is a legal requirement when leasing both domestic and non-domestic property. It provides an energy efficiency rating on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Under the current MEES regime, landlords are prohibited from letting commercial properties with EPC ratings of F or G unless a valid exemption applies.<\/p>\n

Exemptions recognise that not all buildings can reasonably meet minimum standards. Certain properties are automatically excluded from MEES requirements, including places of worship, some non-residential agricultural buildings and qualifying holiday accommodation. In other cases, landlords may register a time-limited exemption where specific improvement measures are not viable.<\/p>\n

Although the government has yet to confirm the final timetable, the anticipated direction of travel is clear. It is expected that by 2027 existing commercial buildings will need an EPC rating of at least C in order to be let, subject to limited exceptions such as very short or very long leases. New tenancies from 2028 are also likely to require a minimum rating of C. By 2030, a minimum rating of B may be introduced, although there is speculation that this deadline could be extended to 2035 to provide landlords with additional time to comply.<\/p>\n

For commercial property owners, these changes may have significant financial and strategic implications. Upgrading properties to meet higher EPC standards could involve investment in measures such as improved insulation, double glazing, modern boilers, low-carbon heating systems, solar panels or heat pumps. In addition, Part L of the Building Regulations increasingly encourages the adoption of low-carbon and renewable energy solutions.<\/p>\n

Failure to comply with MEES requirements can result in fines of up to \u00a315,000 per breach, and details of non-compliance may be recorded on the PRS Exemptions Register, potentially affecting reputation and asset value.<\/p>\n

Landlords should begin by reviewing their current property portfolio and commissioning updated EPC assessments where appropriate. A revised EPC may reveal an improved rating, reducing the extent of required works. Early planning and budgeting for energy efficiency improvements will help mitigate risk and ensure continued compliance as standards tighten in the coming years.<\/p>\n

For how we can assist you, contact Phil Hutsby-Hunt by emailing phil.hutsby-hunt@mfgsolicitors.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

mfg Solicitors outlines major EPC rule changes set to reshape commercial property letting rules and increase compliance pressure for landlords ahead of 2030<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":266702,"featured_media":2110867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[78],"coauthors":[127717],"class_list":["post-2110866","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sponsored","tag-black-country","tag-coventry-and-warwickshire","tag-featured-story","tag-greater-birmingham","tag-shropshire","tag-staffordshire","tag-worcestershire"],"yoast_head":"\nChanges to the minimum energy efficiency rating | TheBusinessDesk.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"mfg Solicitors outlines major EPC rule changes set to reshape commercial property letting rules and increase compliance pressure for landlords ahead of 2030\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" 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