The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations

Whether you own a single residential investment property or a portfolio of residential properties, it is important to take note of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) and the upcoming deadline of 1 April 2020.

What is the current position?

As of 1 April 2018, landlords were required to ensure that, unless specific exceptions applied, to legally grant a new tenancy their property must have an Energy Performance Certificate with a minimum energy efficiency rating of rating of E or above.

Crucially this deadline only caught new tenancies, being tenancies granted on or after 1 April 2018. Not existing tenancies already in place prior to that date.

What will the new position be?

As of 1 April 2020, any existing tenancies (granted prior to 1 April 2018) will also be subject to the requirement that, in order to continue legally letting a property it must have a minimum energy efficiency rating of E or above.

What should you be doing if this applies to you?

Landlords with existing tenancies (granted prior to 1 April 2018) should be using the next 6 months wisely, commissioning Energy Performance surveys and, where necessary, carrying out works to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.

Further points of note