MEES update

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards have been introduced by the government to improve the quality of rented buildings and reduce the overall CO2 emissions in accordance with the UK's targets for de-carbonisation.

From 1st April 2018, phase one of the MEES regulations came into force which has big implications for landlords of rented property. As a result of this, it is now deemed unlawful to let properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below an 'E' rating.

The Ministry previously highlighted the scale of those affected by MEES, with 20%-25% of residential and commercial properties in England and Wales hitting or falling below the minimum standards. There is also a chance that the standard could be raised further to a D rating by 2025 and a C rating by 2030.

Landlords and their agents are advised to act by commissioning an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate which will identify the current rating (which may have changed over time), and recommend opportunities for improvement.