Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

What is MEES?

As you may be aware, the guidance for Landlords and Local Authorities on the minimum level of energy efficiency required to let domestic property under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 were released in October 2017.

The regulations meant that from the 1st April 2018, it became unlawful for private landlords to let domestic properties on new tenancies to new or existing tenants if the Energy Efficiency Certificate (EPC) rating is F or G (unless an exemption applies).

From the 1st April 2020, the regulations apply to all privately rented properties within the scope of the regulations and the prohibition on letting F and G properties extended to all relevant properties, even where there has been no change in tenancy.

The Government has committed to look at a long-term trajectory to improve the energy performance standards of privately rented homes in England and Wales, with the aim for as many of them as possible to be upgraded to EPC Band C by 2030, where practical, cost-effective and affordable.

The Government’s intention is to ensure that the energy efficiency of properties in the Private Rented Sector is improved to minimum levels.

When did MEES regulations come into effect?

From the 1st April 2018, the regulations applied to landlords/property owners upon granting a lease to a new tenant or lease renewals to an existing tenant.

Why was MEES introduced?

When did MEES regulations come into effect?

The regulations were put into place to improve the energy efficiency of privately rented homes and to meet UK targets of CO2 reduction under the Energy Act 2011.

In order to comply, all properties must meet MEES by undertaking permissible, appropriate and cost-effective improvements, unless exempt.

Are there any exemptions?

When did MEES regulations come into effect?

Are there any exemptions?

Some properties will be totally exempt from the MEES legislation if they do not require an EPC, but most will not be.

There are further exemption criteria, therefore, it may be possible that a property with an F or G rating could be let under the certain circumstances; in all of these circumstances, the property must be registered on the ‘PRS exemptions register’ by the landlord, along with evidence for the exemption.

Green save energy key on a grey keyboard with energy rating graph on key

Can MEES effect my Buy-to-Let Mortgage/Re-mortgage application?

Many lenders are now starting to refuse new and re-mortgages Buy-to-Let applications from landlords if their property falls below the current MEES regulations and they are not exempt, other lenders are expected to follow suit.

How can we help?

On the 1st April 2020, there was a change to the MEES Regulations for domestic Landlords.

Landlords who haven’t yet had to comply with MEES Regulations as their tenants or tenancy terms have not changed need to act. We will work with you to produce the MEES Recommendation Report, where possible, this will identify the most 'relevant energy efficiency improvements' to achieve an improved, compliant EPC rating for your property.

What is the MEES Recommendation Report process?

On my visit, I will draft the EPC as the property currently is, which will show the existing rating at that present time. If the rating is below the required ‘E’ rating, using the RDSAP software, I will then look at the most ‘relevant energy efficiency improvements’ that can be installed to improve the energy rating of your property, re-producing the EPC by simulating different scenarios with the various measures/improvements installed, until and where possible, the property does achieve a rating of an E or above, consequently rendering the property compliant. I will then forward the new draft EPC with the proposed recommendations reflecting the possible compliant EPC rating for you to compare with the original EPC.

If the rating can be improved and you are going to carry out the recommendations, I will then need to revisit the property once you have carried out the improvements to carry out another EPC to be lodged with the improvements installed and new compliant energy rating.

The cost cap: you will never be required to spend more than £3,500 (including VAT) on energy efficiency improvements. If you cannot improve your property EPC rating E for £3,500 or less, you should make all the improvements which can be made up to that amount, then register an ‘all improvements made’ exemption.

If this is deemed to be the case, I will lodge the initial EPC and you may have to apply for a MEES exemption.

For further help and advice with MEES and the Exemption Legislation please see the the links provided below, or contact your local Council who will provide further guidance.

NEED TO IMPROVE YOUR EPC ENERGY RATING? ASK ABOUT A MEES RECOMMENDATION REPORT...

Domestic private rented property: - Landlord Guidance

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Exemption Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Exemption Guidance

GOV - MEES Exemptions Update: Updated 22 March 2019

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/private-rented-sector-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-exemptions/guidance-on-prs-exemptions-and-exemptions-register-evidence-requirements

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

What is MEES?

When did MEES regulations come into effect?

When did MEES regulations come into effect?

When did MEES regulations come into effect?

Why was MEES introduced?

When did MEES regulations come into effect?

When did MEES regulations come into effect?

Are there any exemptions?

When did MEES regulations come into effect?

Are there any exemptions?

Can MEES effect my Buy-to-Let Mortgage/Re-mortgage application?

How can we help?

What is the MEES Recommendation Report process?

What is the cost of a MEES Recommendation Report?

Domestic private rented property: - Landlord Guidance

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Exemption Guidance

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Exemption Guidance

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Exemption Guidance

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Exemption Guidance

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Exemption Guidance

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