The 1st April 2018 will see any properties rented out in the private rented sector requiring a minimum energy performance rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If you don’t have this rating, you are unlikely to be able to legally rent out your property after this date.

The regulations (known as the MEES Regulations) come into force for new lets and renewals of existing tenancies from 1st April 2018 and for all existing tenancies from 1st April 2020. There are separate regulations effective from 1st April 2016 under which a tenant can apply for consent to carry out energy efficiency improvements in privately rented properties.

It will then be unlawful to rent a property which breaches the requirement for a minimum E rating, unless there is an applicable exemption. A fine of up to £4,000 will be imposed for breaches.

As with most laws, there are several exclusions to this regulation relating to listed buildings, conservation areas and monuments, where an EPC might not be required anyway, but the primary exclusions that might apply to most landlords are;

• Residential buildings which are intended to be used less than 4 months of the year or
• Stand alone buildings with a total usable floor area of less than 50 square meters.

A domestic private rented sector property is considered to be ‘substandard’ if the EPC rating is F or G, unless an exemption applies. The legislation then prohibits a landlord from renting out a ‘substandard property’. Therefore, if there is an EPC in place which shows that the property is an F or G, the property must not be let.

Landlords may apply for an exemption from 1st October 2017, so time is short if you intend to do so. The exemptions register will be essentially a database of exemptions and will be open to public inspection. Failure to register any exemption will render the exemption ineffective, and will amount to non-compliance with the regulations. Exemptions will last for 5 years.

The Enforcement Authority will be entitled to require landlords to furnish them with evidence supporting a claim for an exemption. Landlords will also be in breach of the regulations if they claim an exemption to which they are not properly entitled.

If you are a private Landlord and want to avoid being an April Fool next year - take this legislation seriously and act today.