Energy performance laws set to change for landlords
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard is to change on 1 April 2020 to include existing tenancies
It will soon be illegal to rent out a property with an F or G energy efficiency rating when the existing Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) is extended to cover existing tenancies.
The MEES first came into force on 1 April 2018 and stopped landlords from offering new tenancies unless the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) showed a rating of E or above.
As of 1 April 2020, the MEES will also apply to existing tenancies. Anyone found in breach of this law risks a fine of up to £4,000.
The aim is to prompt landlords and property owners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. See our guide on how to make an old home more energy efficient for expert advice.
If you’ve carried out work to improve your property’s energy efficiency, you should organise a new EPC to reflect this.
Rental properties require an EPC by law, and this has been the case since 2008. An EPC contains:
- Information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
- Recommendations on how to reduce energy use and save money
The EPC shows your property’s energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.
In Scotland, the EPC must be displayed somewhere in the property – in the meter cupboard or next to the boiler, for example.
Take a look at your EPC to make sure your property meets the minimum standards. All EPCs are available on the EPC Register.
