Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came into effect as of April 2018. Commercial properties will no longer be able to sign new tenancy agreements unless they reach a minimum EPC rating of E or above.
Many property owners make the mistake putting into place non-cost effective and non-efficient energy measures, and we feel by Landlords having this report will give them an independent, informed choice into which measures will ensure compliance, but at the most cost-effective solution.
What are the regulations?
The regulations apply to the Non-domestic rented sector, they apply to the granting of all leases to new and existing tenants; they do not apply to sales or tenancies of 6 months or less (providing the granting of the tenancy does not mean the tenant will have occupied the property for over 12 months). The regulations apply from 1 April 2018 and are aimed at improving the energy efficiency of non-domestic buildings across the rented sector.
The minimum standards is for an ‘E rated’ EPC, ratings of ‘F’ and ‘G’ will not be able to be let as of 01/04/2018 except under ‘PRS exceptional circumstances’
It may be possible that a building with an F or G rating could be let, under the following circumstances; in all of these circumstances the property must be registered on the ‘PRS exemptions register’ by the landlord, along with evidence for the exemption:
- The measures required to improve the property to an E rating have a payback period of more than 7 years (in which case the property must be improved as much as possible with measures that will pay back within 7 years). This is to insure that measures installed are cost effective
- The landlord is unable to obtain the necessary permissions to undertake the improvement works (from local planning, superior landlords or the in-situ tenants). In this instance the Landlord must be able to demonstrate that ‘reasonable efforts’ have been made to obtain such permissions.
- A suitably qualified expert provides written evidence that installing the identified measures required to improve the property to an E rating will reduce the property’s value by 5% or more
Where a tenancy is granted by operation of law, the landlord will have 6 months to comply with the regulations, similarly where a non-compliant property is sold with a tenant in situ, the new landlord will have 6 months to comply with the regulations.
Minimum £5,000 maximum £150,000 fine for non-compliance
From 1st April 2023, the regulations will apply to all tenancies, including where a lease is already in place and occupied
How do I get an EPC + report?
Call us on:
South West Office 01208 228 877
South East Office 01892 300450
or email enquiries@jcmlconsultancy.com
We will need to survey the building, and we will then provide a draft EPC, which will show the current rating. If the rating is below the required ‘E’, we will then re-simulate the building with different scenarios until the building does achieve a rating of an E or above, thus making it compliant.
This would then be formulated into a report (EPC +) detailing the most cost-effective way of achieving a compliant rating.
Once any improvements have been carried our we will then re-visit the property and lodge the final EPC showing the new and improved rating.
Our prices for the EPC + report start at just £195 + VAT.
Contact us about EPC + Report – Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEEs)