MINIMUM EPC STANDARDS REQUIRED FOR LETTINGS FROM APRIL 2018
On the 26th March 2015, the Energy Efficiency(Private Rented Sector) (England and Wales) Regulations passed into law. These regulations are better known as the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES). The minimum energy efficiency standard will be initially set at a Band ‘E’ EPC rating.
The full Regulations/Statutory Instrument can be viewed here: MEES Regulations
The Government is consulting on plans to raise the minimum standard.
What does this mean?
For domestic and non-domestic properties, a landlord will not be able to grant a tenancy, or
extend an existing tenancy, or now continue an existing tenancy if the rental property does not meet the minimum standards.
More information on MEES for Domestic Dwellings
The Government has issued (October 2017) a comprehensive guidance document for the implementation of MEES in Dwellings and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-private-rented-property-minimum-standard-landlord-guidance-documents
There are also two excellent guides to be found on the RLA (Residential Landlords Association) website
http://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/minimum-energy-efficiency-standards.shtml
and
http://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/requesting-energy-efficiency-improvements.shtml
More information on MEES for Non Domestic Buildings ( Commercial )
Dept for BEIS (formerly DECC) have now (Feb 2017) issued a comprehensive guidance document for the implementation of MEES in Non Dwelling ( Commercial) properties which can be found here:
South West Property Reports can carry out EPCs to establish current ratings and advise on the ways that the property may be improved to a Band E or better. There are usually several ways of achieving this and we can look at options so that landlords can choose the most cost effective, simplest solutions for each property. Options could be applying for an exemption, better insulation, changing the heating system/fuel or in commercial properties it may be achieved just by changing the lighting.
We can evaluate any planned energy efficiency improvements by modelling the effect on the EPC rating Band.
BEIS guidance on registering an exemption can be found here:
Exemptions can be registered here:
https://prsregister.beis.gov.uk/NdsBeisUi/used-service-before
The Exemptions Register can be searched for properties here:
https://prsregister.beis.gov.uk/NdsBeisUi/register-search-exemptions
https://prsregister.beis.gov.uk/NdsBeisUi/register-search-penalties
