MEES Reform: Preparing for EPC B Compliance
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In Estates Gazette, Partner, Sophie Henwood explores the Government's proposed MEES reforms and the implications for commercial landlords as they prepare for higher energy efficiency standards.
Sophie explains that while the proposed requirement for larger privately rented commercial properties (over 1,000 square metres) to achieve an EPC B rating by 2031 represents a significant policy shift, the main challenge is likely to be implementing the required improvements in practice. In particular, landlords may face difficulties carrying out energy efficiency works where leases restrict access or where projects could disrupt tenants’ occupation of a building.
The article also highlights the additional complexities presented by multi-let properties, where upgrades may require coordination across several occupiers and shared building systems. Sophie notes that some landlords may need to wait for lease expiries or break opportunities before undertaking more extensive works, potentially leading to void periods and lost rental income.
Finally, Sophie considers the wider portfolio implications of the reforms, with different compliance requirements for larger and smaller assets creating a more fragmented regulatory landscape for property owners and investors.
In a related article for CoStar, Sophie also examines the practical challenges of achieving EPC B compliance, focusing on lease terms, access rights and the commercial realities of delivering energy efficiency improvements.
The full article was published by Estates Gazette in July 2026.
