Landlord responsibilities
Landlord responsibilities under Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations mean that they must ensure that all properties have a valid EPC and that properties are only rented out if they meet an EPC rating of E or better or have a valid exemption registered.
Tenants may request permission from their landlord to carry out energy efficiency improvements in a way specified in their tenancy agreement. Should consent not be given a tenant may serve a notice on the landlord (a “tenant’s request”) requesting the landlord’s consent to making suitable energy efficiency improvements. Consent must not be unreasonably withheld by the landlord.
For landlords the cost of energy efficiency improvements for F or G rated properties is currently capped at £3500 including VAT. Landlords who are implementing relevant energy efficiency improvements are also free to, target above and beyond the current cap and minimum requirements of an E rating if they wish.
The properties Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) outlines the recommendations for energy efficiency improvements.
An EPC shows the energy efficiency levels of a property. This is required whenever a property is built, sold or rented.
The certificate will give each property a SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rating categorised from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
EPC are valid for 10 years.
Recommendations for improvements can be found on the EPC and might include:
- Upgrade and install loft insulation
- Install cavity wall insulation
- Boiler upgrades
- Installation of radiator thermostats
- Install energy efficient light bulbs
Properties which have older EPCs might have already undergone work to meet the required standards but the current EPC may no longer reflect the actual energy efficiency of the property. If landlords have undertaken the appropriate works already they should check their EPCs and consider renewing them to reflect the upgrades.
You can check your EPC rating and find local EPC assessors on the EPC Register