Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for Landlords​

In 2016, The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property)(England and Wales) Regulations 2015 established the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the residential and commercial private rented sector.

Why MEES has been introduced

This has been introduced by the government to improve the quality of private rented buildings and reduce CO2 emissions in accordance with the UK's targets. On 1st April 2018, phase one of the MEES regulations came into force. Due to these regulations, it is now considered unlawful to rent out properties with an Energy Performance Certificate rating below an 'E'. 
There is also a chance that the standard could be raised further to a D rating by 2025 and a C rating by 2030.
Landlords and their agents should act by commissioning an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate which will identify the current rating (which may have changed over time), and recommend opportunities for improvement.
Contact us to arrange an up to date EPC.

About MEES Exemptions 

Landlords can register an exemption in order to remain compliant with MEES regulations, despite their property not meeting the standards. All exemptions last 5 years except the exemption 'recently becoming a landlord' which lasts for only 6 months. Unlike an EPC that stays with a property, an exemption does not. It is linked to the landlord who registered the exemption.  This means that if a new landlord comes into the property, they will need to re-register the exemption.
Contact us for more information.

What does this mean for Domestic Landlords? 

From the 1st April 2018 all private rented properties must achieve an energy efficiency rating of at least an E on their EPC, to meet the minimum standards. Initially this will only apply upon the granting of a new tenancy to a new or existing tenant. 
 If a property does not meet the minimum standards, it will be considered unlawful for the landlord to let or market their property so therefore, landlords will need to take action to avoid any non-compliance penalties.

What does this mean for Commercial Landlords?

On 1st April 2018, it became unlawful to grant a new lease for properties in England and Wales which do not meet the Minimum Energy Effciency Standards (MEES). The regulation applies to lease renewals as well.
It is important that landlords act quickly to ensure their property complies as the valuations of properties not meeting the standards are  likely to be affected, as their marketability will be diminished.

Energy Assessor Solutions covers Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Essex, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire.