Time is Running Out - Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are on their way!
We should all now be familiar with the humble EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), however for those of you that aren't sure here's a quick recap (for those of you in the 'know' skip to the bold text below).
As from the 1st October 2008 it became a legal requirement that all rented properties had an Energy Performance Certificate available for all prospective tenants to inspect at the point of marketing.
The EPC itself is carried out by a qualified assessor who will need to visit the property in question and carry out a 'survey' looking at building construction, insulation, glazing, how the property is heated etc etc and will then produce a report (the EPC) that will show graphically the energy efficiency of the property together with its carbon emissions, along with recommendations about how to reduce emissions and thus save money.
Now that was nearly 10 years ago (not sure where that time has gone!) and it is engrained in us that without question an EPC is required when marketing a property (be it sales or lettings). The government is now going to get these reports to start doing their job...i.e to reduce emission and provide more environmental homes, thus; The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Sector) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015!
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Sector) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 will make it unlawful from April 2018 to let residential or commercial properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’ (i.e. the lowest 2 grades of energy efficiency).
As from the 1st April 2018 Landlords that do not meet the minimum standards in their properties will face fines of up to £5,000 for domestic properties and £150,000 for non-domestic properties, further penalties may be awarded for non-compliance with the original penalty notice if you continue to rent out a non-compliant property.
This means Landlords will be prohibited from letting sub standard properties which could result in rent loss or fines for non compliance.
As you will no longer be able to rent out your property if the EPC rating is below E you need to start preparing ASAP. It is also worth noting that there is a high likelihood that the minimum energy standards will be raised in the future.
If you aren't sure what the EPC rating is for your property the full report can be found on the Governments' EPC Register.
We have assessors that can carry out new EPC's and can provide advice on where to go from here should you be unsure what to do.
Remember please do not hesitate to contact the office with any queries you may have, we are here to help!
Sarah