Minimum energy efficiency standards regulations will require that privately rented properties have an EPC energy efficiency rating of no worse than E.
MEES regulations come into force for new tenancies and renewed tenancies on 1st April 2018 and for all existing tenancies on 1st April 2020. This may seem some time away but Government grants are available to upgrade heating systems and insulation in privately rented properties where the tenant receives certain state benefits.
Notably, it will become unlawful to let a property which does not satisfy MEES regulations and fines of up to £4,000 can be imposed in respect of domestic homes. Some exemptions to to MEES regulations exist but they are very limited in scope.
Which domestic properties fall under minimum energy efficiency standards regulations?
MEES regulations apply to privately rented domestic properties in England and Wales, which includes:
- Properties let under a shorthold tenancy or an assured tenancy
- Properties let under a regulated tenancy for the purposes of the Rent Acts.
- Properties let on an assured agricultural occupancy tenancy
- Properties let on a tenancy protected under the Rent Act 1976 or a statutory tenancy under that Act.
The Government reserves the right to extend the types of privately rented property and types of tenancy which will fall under the minimum energy efficiency standards regulations.