As the UK’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 strengthens, compliance with sustainability regulations in the social housing sector has become more critical.

Social housing providers must navigate a growing array of rules designed to improve the energy efficiency and environmental impact of housing stock.

One of the key regulations is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Under the MEES regulations, as of 2018, all properties must have an EPC rating of at least “E” to be let. However, by 2025, this requirement will be raised, and any property with a rating below “E” will be legally prohibited from being rented out(1).

This is particularly concerning for older social housing stock, which often has a lower EPC rating. Social housing providers must now undertake significant improvements, such as upgrading insulation and heating systems, to meet the new standards(2).

MEES builds on the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Sector) (England and Wales) Regulations which housing associations must comply with(3). These rules mandate that social housing providers ensure tenants have access to energy-efficient heating and appliances. This is important not just for compliance but for improving the quality of life for residents, many of whom face fuel poverty.

Further, the Climate Change Act 2008 sets the UK on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050. For social housing providers, this means more rigorous requirements to reduce carbon emissions across their portfolios(4).

Many local authorities are now developing long-term strategies to decarbonise housing stock, with an emphasis on reducing energy consumption and improving sustainability through retrofitting and new build projects(5).

Complying with these regulations will be no small feat, particularly for housing providers with large estates and limited budgets. However, embracing these changes can offer numerous benefits, such as improved tenant satisfaction, better energy performance, and eligibility for government funding or incentives designed to support sustainable housing.

Bibliography

1 Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard - landlord guidance (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance

2 Age of the property is the biggest single factor in energy efficiency of homes (Accessed May 2025) https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/ageofthepropertyisthebiggestsinglefactorinenergyefficiencyofhomes/2021-11-01

3 The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (Accessed May 2025) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/962/contents/made

4  Climate Change Act 2008 (Accessed May 2025) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/27/contents

5 What challenges and priorities are on the housing horizon in 2025? (Accessed May 2025) https://www.socialhousing.co.uk/sponsored/what-challenges-and-priorities-are-on-the-housing-horizon-in-2025