SCC director Tom Neville reminds landlords of their energy efficiency responsibilities.

Minimum Energy Efficient Standards, or MEES, should now be a well-known piece of legislation to Landlords which prevents the letting of properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below band E, subject to some exemptions and exceptions.

The MEES regulation took effect on 1 April 2018, preventing Landlords from granting new leases on commercial and residential buildings with EPC ratings of F and G. This will extend to all existing lettings on residential properties from 1st April 2020 and to all existing lettings of commercial properties from 1st April 2023 meaning all leases that have already been granted will have to comply with the regulation.

The drafting of the legislation places the onus directly on the Landlord who will have to bear the costs of the works or the fine for non-compliance. It is therefore essential that Landlords should take early action to ascertain any properties within their portfolio that may be sub-standard and assess the steps that may need to be taken to ensure that these properties can continue to be let.

It is likely that the regulations will get tougher in the future and therefore Landlords of property with an EPC rating of D or E should also be aware.

Stratton Creber Commercial is a multi disciplined practice which can assist Landlords in this respect.

Tom Neville BA (Hons) MRICS