Energy Efficiency Generating New Interest

One of many interesting findings from a recent survey of office occupiers by solicitors Irwin Mitchell was that 2 in 5 occupiers had “no idea what impact the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards would have on them”.  Please see a link to the survey below.

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards came into effect April this year.  Under The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, it will be unlawful for a landlord to let or renew a lease of a property if the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is an F or a G. This includes sub-lettings so any occupier wishing to dispose of space must also comply with the regulations.

Although MEES apply to F and G rated properties, the methods used to prepare EPCs have become more rigorous and their quality has improved.  Therefore, when an E-rated, compliant property is reassessed today, there is a risk of the rating dropping to an F or a G, especially if it was assessed shortly after EPCs were introduced in 2008–09.

What do I do?

We have come across two recent incidents where occupiers have been frustrated from re letting their tired second hand accommodation by an inadequate EPC.  We strongly recommend early action if you suspect your property may have an inadequate rating.

If you either a landlord or tenant, it is worth verifying the accuracy of existing EPC’s, in particular if there is an upcoming lease event.  If a potentially at risk property has been identified, developing a plan of improvements will be the next step and quite often an improvement can be at little or no extra cost.

There are exemptions to these regulations and for further information, please contact BBG at [email protected].