What is going on with Domestic MEES?
The support team at Elmhurst has been receiving a lot of questions regarding Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the domestic sector and the proposal to increase the minimum rating to band C. With this in mind we’ve created a short guide below!
What is MEES?
MEES regulations came into effect in April 2018 for England and Wales to improve the thermal efficiency of domestic properties in the Private Rented Sector (PRS).
What are the current regulations?The current rules, effective from 1st April 2020, state that landlords must not continue to let a relevant domestic property that is already let if that property has an EPC rating of Band F or G. Under certain circumstances, a landlord may be able to claim exemption from the MEES regulations. In such cases, the exemption must be registered on the National PRS Exemptions Register which was launched in October 2017. Landlords have been able to register exemptions for a property since 1st April 2018. |
What is being consulted on?
In late 2020 the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) released a consultation ‘Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes’. In the consultation, the government proposed a phased trajectory where properties would need to reach a minimum of Band C for new tenancies by 2025 and all private rented tenancies by 2028.
Government are yet to announce the outcome of the consultation, however it is expected to be released in spring. Once we have any updates we will inform all members.
MEES in Scotland
MEES regulations do not apply in Scotland.
The Scottish Government is planning to introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard for buildings in Scotland, similar to what has been introduced in the private rented sector in England and Wales. Unfortunately their implementation has been delayed due to COVID. Once Elmhurst hears any updates we’ll let you know!
Find out more about MEES
You can read our full guidance on MEES in our Technical Bulletin TB103, which is free to access for Elmhurst Members.
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