MEES…Are you and your property compliant

Do you know what MEES are? Do you know how they affect you? Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are coming into force in 2018, and if you don’t know what they are yet then it’s about time you find out!

As of 1^st April 2018, there will be a minimum requirement for residential rental property to have a minimum energy performance of an E, on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This means that those with an F, or G, a rating will no longer comply. This regulation will come into force and effect all new lets, and any renewals of existing lets from 1st April 2018 and will affect all existing SPH or long-term tenancies from 1^st April 2020.

It will become unlawful to rent a property that does not meet their minimum energy efficiency standards unless there is an applicable and acceptable exemption for your property.

There are a number of situation where exemptions may apply, and more details of these can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-private-rented-property-minimum-standard-landlord-guidance-documents

It is a good idea to have a look at your property, assess your EPC and decide now what works are required (if any) to ensure the property is compliant before the legislation comes into effect. You will likely have an EPC for your property already if the property has been bought or sold or let within the last few years, but be sure it is currently to date. An EPC lasts for just 10 years and we are now getting to the stage where EPC’s are coming round for renewals.

Sod’s law tells us, that even though you may have a property currently tenanted, that the current tenant will vacate at an inconvenient time for you and if any works are required then will need to be carried out prior to a new tenancy commencing and as this is the HOT topic currently then tenants will be looking for this and will likely not even view a property until the works are carried out and the new EPC is completed to show the new efficiency levels.  Be sure that this expense happens when you want it to, and when you have rent coming in on the property rather than when you least expect it and when the property is vacant and costing money to be that way.

If you are unsure how/if this legislation will affect you be sure to speak to your current agent or feel free to give me a call/email and I’ll be happy to discuss it with you. I can be contacted, as always, on aaron@gordonbarker.com or 01202292400.

There are a number of other articles that you may also find interesting, that I have written, at Property Blog Bournemouth and at Gordon Barker.