Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

New MEES rules set to come into force for existing tenancies.

Since April 2018, landlords have been unable to let their property to NEW tenants unless it has a minimum energy efficiency rating of an E (unless exempted) on its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

On 1st April 2020, this will be extended to cover ALL existing tenancies (April 2023 for commercial premises).

This means that anyone whose rentals have F or G EPC ratings will no longer be able to legally let them out, unless an applicable exemption applies.

A civil penalty of up to £4,000 will be imposed for breaches.

Landlords with properties in the F or G EPC bracket should begin preparing now for April 1^st 2020.

Answer these questions to find out whether your property is covered by the Regulations

1. Is your property let on one of the following types of domestic tenancies:

• an assured tenancy?
• a regulated tenancy?
• a domestic agricultural tenancy?

2. Is your property legally required to have an EPC?

• If the property you let has been marketed for sale or let, or modified, in the past 10 years then it will probably be legally required to have an EPC.

If you answered Yes to both these questions, and your property has an EPC rating of F or G, you must take appropriate steps to comply with the requirements of the MEES Regulations.

If you answered No to one or both of these questions, your property is not covered by the Regulations, and you don’t need to take action to improve the property rating. You may let it with an EPC rating of F or G.

Feel free to contact us to discuss how we can provide guidance on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.