From 1st
April 2018 it will become unlawful to let properties in England and Wales that
fall below a new ‘Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard’ (MEES).
The Energy
Act 2011 featured various provisions aimed at reducing the UK’s carbon
footprint. This included several measures to improve the energy efficiency of
properties. New builds have been subject to increased energy efficiency
standards for a number of years. It is now time for similar rules to be
introduced on existing properties.
Following
several years of consultation, the new MEES, has now been confirmed by the
Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). From 1 April 2018 properties
will need to achieve a minimum of an ‘E’ rating on their energy performance
certificate (EPC).
Are there any exemptions?
Virtually
all properties built, sold or leased since 2008 require an EPC and will be
affected by the upcoming MEES. However, certain exemptions do exist for
buildings that are, for example:
Listed or
officially protected, and energy efficiency improvements would unacceptably
alter them
An
industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that uses
little energy
A temporary
structure due to be used for two years or less
Long-term
vacant, or due to be demolished
However, EPC
exemptions can be complex and subject to certain discretions from local
authorities. Therefore, always seek direction from specialist energy
performance consultants or local authority to determine how the property will
be affected by MEES.
What can you do now?
There are a
couple of things you can start to do now to make sure your properties meet
these new standards for when the rule comes in:
Audit
properties – it is thought that a whopping quarter to a third of properties are
currently at risk of falling below the minimum standard.
Plan any
energy efficiency works – this is so you can search around for the best price,
as well as giving you a chance of planning the works at the right time, for
example if you are expecting a void period in your building.
Auditing and
upgrading properties can take significant time, so it is important that you act
now to ensure compliance. Also, whilst this current rise is to an E rating, it
is important to note that the minimum standard could rise in future.
If you would
like more information on the new landlord energy rules, or would like to know
how we can help you, call us on 01789 761 660.