Don’t get yourself into a MEES with your properties

You may be aware that from 1st April 2023, landlords will have to comply with new, stricter Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) rules.

The new regulations mandate that before a property may be rented out, it must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least Band E. Both residential and commercial establishments are subject to this, and non-compliance can result in hefty fines. The new MEES laws are part of the UK government’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the country reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Landlords will have to think about making renovations to their properties, such as adding insulation or modernising the heating systems, in order to comply with the new regulations. Failure to comply with the new rules could result in fines of up to £150,000. Additionally, if a building doesn’t adhere to the necessary energy efficiency regulations, its value may suffer.

Landlords may take the following steps to increase the energy efficiency of their properties:

• Stop heat loss and install insulation;
• Changing to more energy-efficient heating models;
• Converting to LED or other energy-saving bulbs for lighting systems;
• Install sustainable energy systems like heat pumps or solar panels; and
• Repairing draughts to stop the loss of heat.

Landlords should make sure that any properties they sublease or renew leases on also comply with the new standards, as the modified MEES laws will also affect subletting and lease renewals.

In conclusion, landlords have considerable difficulty as a result of the revisions to the MEES laws since they must take steps to guarantee that their properties comply with the new standards. Landlords must take immediate action to ensure they are prepared for the new requirements by 1st April 2023. Failing to comply could result in serious financial penalties.

Don’t risk fines up to £150k! Contact Birdi & Co for legal advice on complying with MEES regulations and protecting your property value.