The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations, 2015 have recently been passed by the government and will come into force on 1 April 2016. The Regulations impose minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) on commercial and domestic premises.
The Regulations require that all commercial premises have a minimum EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of ‘E’. If properties fall below this level e.g. F or G rating, then landlords will face financial penalties for failing to comply with the Regulations.
From 1 April 2018, landlords will not be able to grant new leases of commercial properties which fall below the minimum ‘E’ standard. This extends to lease extensions and renewals. Furthermore, from 1 April 2023, landlords cannot continue to let commercial properties which fall below the minimum ‘E’ rating.
My advice to landlords is to act now and ensure that your properties meet the minimum energy efficiency standards. Failure to do this may result in many empty properties as well as severe financial penalties.
Landlords should seek specialist advice in order to ascertain what actions they need to take in order to ensure that their properties meet the minimum requirements in readiness for 1 April 2016.
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