Proposed Energy Efficiency Standards for Rented Homes in Scotland

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the private rented sector. If implemented, these changes could significantly impact landlords across Scotland—especially those with older or less efficient properties.

Here’s what you need to know about the proposals, timelines, and what it might mean for your rental properties.

What Are the Proposed Standards? 🏠

Under the current proposal, landlords would be required to ensure their properties achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C. The changes would be phased in over two key deadlines:

• From April 2028: All new tenancies must meet EPC band C

• From April 2033: All tenancies must meet the standard

This means that by 2033, every privately rented home in Scotland will need to achieve a higher level of energy efficiency—or be subject to enforcement action.

EPC Reform: What’s Changing? 📊

These changes come alongside wider EPC reforms scheduled for Autumn 2026. The current single-letter rating system will be replaced by three new metrics:

• Heat Retention Rating (HRR)

• Energy Cost Rating (ECR)

• Heating System Rating (HSR)

Importantly, compliance with MEES will be based on the new HRR, not the old EPC letter rating. So, even if your property already has an EPC rating of C, you will still need to achieve HRR band C on the new format to meet future requirements.

Compliance Rules and Exemptions 🔒

Landlords will not be allowed to let a property unless:

• It meets the HRR band C standard, or

• All reasonable energy efficiency improvements have been made (up to a cost cap), or

• An official exemption has been granted

Exemptions may apply if improvements are:

• Too expensive (with a proposed £10,000 cost cap)

• Technically unfeasible

• Blocked due to planning restrictions or tenant refusal

There will also be temporary exemptions for situations like a change of landlord.

Enforcement and Penalties ⚖️

Local councils will be responsible for enforcing the rules, using data from the EPC Register and PRS property listings. They will be able to issue penalties if:

• A landlord continues letting a non-compliant property

• False information is provided about exemptions or upgrades

Fines will range from £600 to £3,000, depending on the length and severity of non-compliance.

Summary 📝

The Scottish Government’s MEES proposals aim to raise the energy efficiency of rented homes and support the country’s net zero goals. If approved, these rules would require all private rented homes to meet an HRR band C standard by 2033—starting with new tenancies in 2028.

This change means landlords will need to:

• Plan ahead for property upgrades

• Understand the new EPC system and HRR ratings

• Budget for potential improvement costs (up to £10,000)

• Be prepared for local enforcement and potential penalties

The consultation is ongoing, but it’s clear that energy efficiency will remain central to housing policy in Scotland. Keeping informed and planning early will be essential for landlords navigating the transition.

News

What Are the Proposed Standards? 🏠

EPC Reform: What’s Changing? 📊

Compliance Rules and Exemptions 🔒

Enforcement and Penalties ⚖️

Summary 📝

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