Penalties
Up to £30,000 per property, per breach.
The 2030 regime multiplies the maximum fine by six. Here's what councils can do, and how to make sure it never reaches you.
Short answer
Under the 2030 regime, local councils can fine landlords up to £30,000 per property, per breach, for letting a home below the minimum standard, with separate penalties for false exemption entries and publication of the breach. Under the current band E rules, fines reach £5,000 per property.
The penalties
New regime compared with today.
| Breach | New regime (from 2030) | Current E rules |
|---|---|---|
| Letting below the minimum standard | Up to £30,000 per property, per breach | Up to £4,000 for existing breaches under the current E rules |
| False or misleading exemption entry | Separate penalty on top | Up to £1,000 plus publication |
| Ignoring a compliance notice | Council enforcement action | Up to £2,000 plus publication |
| Publication penalty | Your name and breach on a public register | Minimum 12 months |
How enforcement works
From compliance notice to penalty.
- Evidence request
The council serves a compliance notice asking for EPCs, exemption evidence and tenancy details.
- Assessment
It checks the EPC register and PRS Exemptions Register against your answer.
- Penalty notice
If there's a breach, it can issue a financial penalty and a publication penalty.
- Review and appeal
You can ask the council to review the notice and then appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.
Stay safe
Three ways to never see a penalty.
Keep a valid EPC at band C (or E until 2030) and diary its expiry.
If you can't reach the standard, register the right exemption with evidence before the deadline.
Keep invoices, quotes and letters in one file so you can answer a compliance notice in days.
Questions
Common questions
Who enforces MEES?
Local authorities, usually the council's private sector housing or trading standards team.
Is the fine per property?
Yes. Maximum penalties apply per property, per breach.
Can councils publish my name?
Yes. A publication penalty puts details of the landlord and breach on a public part of the PRS Exemptions Register.
Sources
- Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard (GOV.UK)
- Warm Homes Plan (GOV.UK, January 2026)
- PRS Exemptions Register
Checked 18 September 2026. Regulations can change: always confirm on GOV.UK.
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