Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards or (MEES) Regulations, have been in force since April 2018 and set a minimum energy efficiency level for all domestic private rented properties in England and Wales.
Where a property had an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G, landlords could not let properties on new tenancies to new or existing tenants if the EPC rating was F or G.
As of 1 April 2020 this is now extended to cover all relevant properties, even where there has been no change of tenancy. Landlords with properties assessed at EPC, F or G must now improve the property rating to E or register an exemption if they want to continue to let it.
The regulations aim to improve the quality of private rented buildings in England and Wales and to increase the energy efficiency of the worst performing houses and buildings. Also, these regulations aim to improve the overall thermal comfort and conditions in private rented homes and to reduce fuel poverty.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is needed whenever a property is built, sold or rented. Before a property is marketed to sell or rent, an EPC for potential buyers and tenants must be provided. An EPC contains:
- information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
- recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money
An EPC is valid for 10 years and each certificate has a grade from A to G, rating the buildings energy efficiency. Any property being let must have a valid EPC.
Properties with older EPCs may have already had some energy efficiency works to meet the standards but the current EPC may no longer reflect the energy efficiency of the property and landlords should check their EPCs and consider renewing them if they have undertaken the appropriate works already.
Landlords should also review the recommendations in their EPC that will suggest ways to improve their properties rating, which can include:
- boiler replacements of First Time Central Heating (FTCH)
- installation of thermostatic radiator valves (TRV)
- upgrade and install loft insulation
- install cavity wall insulation
- install energy efficient light bulbs
There are several situations where a property will become exempt from the regulations however landlords must register this exemption and provide supporting evidence. Exemptions are defined as:
- high cost exemptions
- seven-year payback exemptions
- all improvements made exemptions
- wall insulation exemptions
- consent exemptions
- devaluation exemptions
- new landlord exemptions