RESOURCES | Last chance for landlords to comply with new energy rules
Richard Bradbury of Slater Heelis writes:
There are less than two weeks remaining for rental landlords across England and Wales to ensure their properties meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) or face prosecution and fines of up to £30,000.
Landlords who grant new leases or renewals from 1 April 2018 will need to ensure their properties meet the minimum energy requirements and, if they do not, they must carry out works or register an exemption.
A commercial property will be deemed substandard if it has an EPC rating of F or G, unless an exemption has been registered.
Whilst a substandard rating does not affect the rights of the tenant to renew a lease, which will remain in force, properties in breach of MEES may lead to enforcement action on the landlord.
And with energy efficiency high on the public agenda, many believe local authorities will seek to make examples of those failing to comply.
Some property types will automatically have exemptions, such as those with special architectural historical merit or residential buildings used for less than four months of the year.
Key dates:
1 April 2018: Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) introduced by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 will apply to private rented commercial and domestic premises
1 April 2020: From 1 April 2020, the new standards will also cover domestic with pre-existing tenancies. MEES are also set for review which is likely to result in a tightening of the ratings. There are suggestions that the minimum standard may rise to D by 2025, and C by 2030.
1 April 2023: MEES will apply to all commercial lettings, including existing lettings
What you need to do:
Act fast to avoid being in breach of the legislation. Commercial and residential agents should discuss MEES with all landlord clients prior to arranging any lease from 1 April 2018.
To discuss any aspect of this legislation, please call me on 0161 672 1442.
This article was originally published on Place Resources.
