MEES | Fading Footprints
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard | Are you compliant?
MEES has arrived!
Are you Compliant?
So what is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES)? Does it apply to me? What do I need to do?
In April 2018, a new legal standard for Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard came into force making it unlawful to grant new leases of residential or commercial property with an EPC rating below an ‘E’
We can get you compliant!
E Rated EPC or exemption from £99
We can get your property to an ‘E’ rating
We specialise in uplifting properties to an ‘E’ rating or above at minimal cost. >>>find out more
The majority of buildings achieving an EPC rating of F or G need to comply with MEES, however, there are some exemptions.
We can get your property to an ‘E’ rating
We specialise in uplifting properties to an ‘E’ rating or above at minimal cost. >>>find out more
Q&A’s to make you a MEES wizard…
What is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard?
From April 2018 changes to legislation will make it unlawful to agree a new lease for a residential or commercial property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G. This is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard.
Who will it apply to?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) will apply to new lettings and lease renewals on or after the 1 April 2018, the landlord/property owner will need to ensure that the property meets the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) before the lease is granted.
However as of 1 April 2023 all privately rented property will be required to meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES).
Does it apply to all properties?
Properties that do not require an EPC under current regulations will not be required to meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES).
Moreover the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) does not apply to short lettings (6 months or less) and lettings over 99 years or more.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Financial penalties for MEES non compliance are linked to the rateable value of the property, but could be as much as £150,000.
Why is it being enforced?
The Energy Act 2011 contains a number of provisions that will affect owners of property; the most significant of these is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES), which aims to improve the energy efficiency of the most energy inefficient properties.
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) also contributes to the UK legislative targets of reducing CO2 emissions for all buildings to around zero by 2050.
Are there any exemptions?
Landlords can be made exempt from the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) if they are able to demonstrate one of the following:
- They have carried out all cost-effective energy efficiency improvements.
- Measures Identified by Green Deal or an alternative government scheme are not cost effective (devalue the property by 5% or more. Or fail to raise the EPC rating above an F)
- Or If third-party consents are not available despite reasonable effort.
All of these exemptions are likely to have a time constraint attached to them.
What are the key dates for compliance?
April 2018:
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard regulations will be enforced upon the granting of a new lease as well as lease renewals.
April 2023:
The regulations will apply to ALL privately rented property in scope of the regulations, including where a lease is already in place and a property is occupied.
More Information about MEES is available on the Government Website
What Next?
Given the risks to landlords it is clear that a full understanding of energy efficiency is required for your property assets, in order to see if you are meeting the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. Fading Footprints can assess your property’s energy efficiency and work with you to achieve the Standards quickly and cost effectively.
Have a question? Want to know more? Get in touch…
