The final phase in the implementation of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations for England and Wales come into effect today (1st of April). Are you ready?
In a press release the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) reminded landlords that the regulations – which establish a minimum energy performance rating in residential property – now extend to all privately rented homes in England and Wales.
The first phase of implementation took effect on the 1st of April 2019, when any privately let property had to meet an energy efficiency rating of at least a category E before any new tenancy could be granted after that date. If the property achieved a rating of only F or G, the landlord was obliged to bring it up to the new standards of E or above before it could be let to tenants.
Today sees the extension of the new energy efficiency standards to all tenancies, regardless of when they started and whether or not there has been any change of tenancy.
There is no cash limit on the amount a landlord may need to spend in improving the energy efficiency of a let property to at least a category E. However, if the cost of improvements exceeds £3,500, the landlord may apply for an exemption on any further works by claiming “all improvements made”. The sum of £3,500, therefore, may be seen as a cost cap. Once it has been achieved and an exemption for further work granted, the property may be let to tenants.
