Just because your property has a valid EPC, it doesn’t mean you can lawfully let the property

Just because your property has a valid EPC, it doesn’t mean you can lawfully let the property

For just over two years, it has been a legal requirement under the MEPS legislation for your property to have an EPC rating of E or above to lawfully let your property. Properties with an F or G rating cannot be let unless they are exempt from the MEPS legislation.


 

Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), is a legal compliance under the Energy Act 2011, for properties rented out in the private rented sector. The legislation states that it is unlawful to let a residential or commercial property with an EPC rating of F or G. If this is the case, the properties will have to install improvements to meet the minimum standards.

 

What happens if your property is an F or G rating?

Landlords can be exempt from MEPS if they can demonstrate one of the following:

  • All cost-effective energy efficiency improvements have been carried out, either within a seven-year payback or under the Green Deal’s “Golden Rule”
  • Consent from a third party is refused; such as a local authority
  • A qualified expert provides written advice that improvements would devalue the property by 5% or improvements on the property would cause damage to the property

Exemptions from MEPS must be registered on the central government PRS Exemptions Register and are valid for 5 years only.

 

Fines for not complying

There are fines in place for landlords that rent out properties that do not meet the regulations. The fine depends on the length of time the property is rented in breach of MEPS.

  • Less than 3 months: Equivalent to 10% of the property’s rateable value: Minimum £5,000 – Maximum £50,000
  • More than 3 months: Equivalent to 20% of the properties relatable value: Minimum £10,000 – Maximum £150,000

 

How can we help

When a property has been found to have an F or G EPC rating, Compliance365 offer a bespoke MEPS EPC Report. Our bespoke MEPS EPC Reports are created to accurately calculate the least expensive and easiest building upgrades to attain an EPC rating of “E” or above.

We would be happy to provide help and guidance on EPC and MEPS legislation. If you want to find out more, get in touch with our friendly team today on 01924 669940. Alternatively, you can send us an email to sales@compliance365.co.uk.