A private rental in England & Wales cannot legally be let below grade E without a registered exemption. Of the 3,383,460 private rentals on the register, 44,347 sit below that line — 1.3% of the stock.
Since 1 April 2020, a property below grade E cannot be let or continue to be let without a valid exemption. Improvement spend is capped at £3,500 including VAT. A landlord who reaches the cap without achieving the minimum grade must make all improvements within budget and register an exemption.
The government aims for as many private rentals as possible to reach C by 2030. Aspiration only. Policy design options are still being explored following the 2026 consultation; no legislative change has been enacted.
53% of private rentals (1,793,123 homes) sit below C today.
Local authorities with at least 50 private rentals on record.
Share of private rentals graded F or G.
Where the volume of below-C stock is greatest.
Private rentals graded D or below.
Registered exemptions last 5 years, except the temporary one for new landlords.
MEES rules verified 21 August 2026 · GOV.UK landlord guidance
Its grade, what it could reach, and the cheapest route over the line — priced against the £3,500 cap.