The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (“MEES”) have set a minimum energy efficiency standard for domestic private rented properties.
The regulations setting out the MEES regime are complicated and professional advice should be sought. Key points that landlords of domestic properties should be mindful of are summarised below: –
- From 1 April 2018 – it has been unlawful to grant new tenancies of property required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (“EPC”) and which has a rating of F or G, unless an exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
- From 1 April 2020 – in addition to the above, there is a prohibition on continuing to let property with an EPC rating of F or G without a registered exemption
There are a number of different exemptions available such as the ‘high cost exemption’ (which essentially applies where the cost of achieving an E rating is more than £3,500).
So, it is important that your property complies with the MEES regulations and has either an EPC rating of E or above or has a registered exemption. A failure to comply can result in substantial penalties. Enforcement is usually carried out by local Trading Standards officers who can issue a compliance notice and, if a breach is confirmed, issue a financial penalty and/or publish details of the breach. The maximum financial penalty at £5,000 per property.
If you require advice or assistance in relation to the above or have any queries regarding a property dispute, contact the team on 01752 203500 or Jonathan.Bouchta@GAsolicitors.com Emma.Webb@GAsolicitors.com