What are MEES?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. Requires landlords granting new leases from 1st April 2018 to ensure that their properties meet minimum energy requirements.
What is required if a property does not meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements?
Landlord must carry out works or register an exemption.
How is the energy efficiency of a property determined?
The energy efficiency of a property is determined by the asset rating it achieves in an energy performance certificate (EPC).
What is the most and least energy effcient EPC score?
A = the most energy efficient
G = the least energy efficient.
What ratings are considered substandard and would result in a fail?
F and G rating
What is the next key date for MEES and what will the implementation be?
From 1 April 2023 all existing commercial lettings that do not meet a D rating or above will be considered a breach.
What properties do not require an EPC?
- Certain listed buildings
- Properties that use no energy to condition the indooor climate
- Leases granted for a term of 99 years or more
- Leases granted for six months or less
What are some exemptions to properties which ordinarily need to satisfy MEES?
- Consent to undertake works being refused by a third party (for example, a local planning authority) or tenant
- Written advice that the improvements would result in a devaluation of the property by 5% or more or that the works would damage the property
- Determination that all cost-effective improvements have been carried out and a rating of E has not been achieved, and
- Determination that energy efficiency improvements would not pay for themselves through energy savings within seven years.
What are the proposed future requirements for MEES?
There are suggestions that the minimum standard may rise to C by 2027, and B by 2030
