MEES Regulation Changes Now Apply

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From 1 April 2020, the requirement for landlords of new lettings to have an EPC rating of E and above also now applies to landlords who continue to let a property wherever a lease was granted (all residential tenancies that are assured, including assured shorthold tenancies and regulated tenancies). For a landlord of a property which is below an E rating there is an obligation to carry out enough of the works listed in the EPC’s recommendation report to improve energy rating to at lease E.

In the case of residential properties, a landlord is not required to spend more than £3,500 (inclusive of VAT) per property. If at that point of spending £3,500 (inclusive of VAT) the EPC rating cannot be improved to E, the landlord is entitled to apply for an exemption. Other exemptions which may apply to a residential landlord are:

  • That there are no energy efficiency improvements that can be carried out that cost less than £3,500 (inclusive of VAT);
  • Some form of consent such as planning consent is needed but cannot be obtained.

For an exemption to be effective, it must be registered on the online exemptions register, some of which are open to inspection by the public including information about the identity of the property. No fee is payable but evidence may need to accompany the application. An exemption lasts for five years but can be renewed if it is still justified.

For more information on the MEES regulations, check out our recent blog: MEES Regulations Are Changing; What Does This Mean?

If you have a question about the new changes, or have any question relating to residential property then our Property team are here to help. Fill out the form below or contact us on 01903 229999 and our team will be in touch.