Properties at risk of becoming unlettable
Director of Building Consultancy, Caroline Fattorini examines the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) requirements that could leave landlords in England and Wales are at risk of owning unlettable properties if action is not taken to improve the energy efficiency ratings of their buildings.
From April 2018, it will be unlawful to let or lease a commercial property with a poor energy rating.
After the deadline, properties that do not meet the minimum standards cannot be re-let until improvements are made. If owners re-let, they could face a penalty fine.
The regulations apply to new lets and renewals with effect from 1 April 2018 and for all existing tenancies on 1 April 2020.
A property must achieve at least an E rating on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before they can be leased or rented unless there is an exemption.
Taking Action
Landlords must act straight away to verify the accuracy of any existing EPC report. To view an existing certificate for your property, visit www.epcregister.com.
Properties that currently have a rating of D or E may be at risk, as the standards have become more stringent.
The EPC may just need updating if improvement works have already been undertaken but the certificate has not been updated since the initial certificate. If you need a new certificate, we can organise this for you for £85 + VAT.
Please contact our team, if you need assistance in assessing how to increase the energy efficiency of your property and/or in arranging improvement works. Once remedial works have been completed, a new EPC report can be organised for you.
For further information, please contact Caroline Fattorini. Download Caroline’s vCard here.