7th
May 2017
It has been reported that just under two thirds of landlords with properties in England and Wales, are by no means up to speed with new legislation coming into force next April regarding the Minimum Energy Efficient Standards (MEES) for buy-to-let properties.
It was set out in the 2015 Energy Efficiency Regulations that any new leases on properties being let out from April 2018 that have an EPC (energy performance rating) below E, will be banned from being able to be rented out. The new legislation will be for all rented 'homes' except those who have achieved a successful exemption application.
Shockingly 25% of landlords have no idea of the new MEES requirements, with a further 42% who admitted to only being 'vaguely aware'.
27% of landlords have no idea of their property's EPC rating and nearly half (49%) do not know of the penalties they may face if they break the rules, and 31% seriously underestimated how much it would cost them for breaching the rules
From April 2018 if landlords fail to ensure that their property performs to an E rating then they will have three months to sort the issue out, unless they wish to face a fine of up to 20% of the property's rateable value, so it's of paramount importance that they get up to speed as quickly as possible.
Energy efficiency expert at one of the UK's energy suppliers, Mike Feely, said: "Government housing data already shows that the private rented sector has the highest proportion of properties falling in the F and G bands, so it’s vital landlords look into what they need to do before the regulations come into effect. Whether landlords have in the past been put off by the perceived hassle, expense, or their own lack of knowledge around the subject, the clock is definitely ticking on the need to improve properties. For landlords worried about the potential cost of upgrading properties, financial support may also be available through the Energy Company Obligation if tenants meet certain qualifying criteria."
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