It’s been on the horizon for years, but it seems that this is one egg that’s too tough for many landlords to crack.
The new MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Regulations) come into force on April 1st, having first been announced back in March 2015 by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.
The regulations state that landlords of buildings with an EPC rating of less than E cannot legally grant a new tenancy or renew an existing tenancy unless they have registered an exemption.
Details of exemptions are available here.
However, despite the long lead in time and plenty in the press about how to manage the changes, the Association of Residential Letting Agents is warning that thousands of landlords are not ready for the changes that are coming into effect. Failure to comply with the regulations could see landlords facing fines of up to £4000, or losing money on properties that they are unable to let.
There are thousands of landlords who aren’t ready for the deadline. While the number of properties which are EPC rated F or G has fallen dramatically from 700,000 in 2012, to 300,000 today, many landlords are yet to prepare their properties for the new laws. Either way, it’s another kick in the teeth for hard working landlords, and tenants looking to find affordable accommodation.
David Cox, ARLA’s chief executive
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