The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero changed the sign-in method for the PRS Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Exemptions Register on 5 May 2026. Landlords and agents must now use GOV.UK One Login to access the service. Both the domestic and non-domestic PRS MEES landlord guidance pages were updated on 5 May 2026 to reflect the new service link.
On 5 May 2026, DESNZ updated the sign-in mechanism for the PRS Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Exemptions Register. The way to sign in to the service changed on 5 May 2026. Landlords can rent their property immediately after registering a valid exemption. The change migrates the register to the GOV.UK One Login identity platform, consistent with the government's wider digital identity consolidation programme.
EPC C context The government has committed to look at a long-term trajectory to improve the energy performance standards of privately rented homes in England and Wales, with the aim for as many of them as possible to be upgraded to EPC Band C or equivalent by 2030. Policy design options are being explored following the 2026 consultation. The Exemptions Register therefore remains a live and critical tool for landlords whose properties cannot cost-effectively reach EPC E under current MEES regulations, while the higher EPC C standard is legislated for.
What changed Both the domestic and non-domestic MEES landlord guidance pages on GOV.UK were updated on 5 May 2026. The update confirmed there is a new service and that the link and information about it has been updated. The substantive exemption criteria and evidence requirements are unchanged: landlords registering exemptions must still supply the requisite documentary evidence (e.g., three installer quotations for a 'high cost' exemption). Any exemptions registered on the PRS Exemptions Register may not pass over to a new owner or landlord of a property upon sale or other transfer.
Existing exemptions unaffected Landlords who have previously registered exemptions via the old sign-in route are not required to re-register. The change affects only the authentication method for accessing the digital service going forward. Any landlord attempting to register a new exemption or update existing records must now authenticate via GOV.UK One Login at gov.uk/sign-in before proceeding.
Action required
Any landlord or agent who needs to register a MEES exemption (e.g., 'high cost', 'all improvements made', 'third-party consent') must now sign in using a GOV.UK One Login account. Create a GOV.UK One Login at gov.uk/sign-in if you do not already have one before attempting to access the register. Existing exemption records are unaffected.
Effective
2026-05-05
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