Rental sector law expert warns on dangers of ignoring...

A leading property law specialist has warned that many buy to let investors remain unaware of the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations which came into force on April 1.

Under the new regulations, where a property requires an EPC, domestic and commercial rental properties are required to meet at least an Energy Performance Certificate level E or above.

Liz Brady, partner at law firm Furley Page, explains: "As a result of the new regulations, landlords are no longer able to grant leases to new tenants if the property has an EPC band rating of F or G.

"However, there are still many landlords out there who are either unaware of the changes to the law, or who are aware but are not sure how to address the issue.

"It is important that landlords comply with the new regulations, as failure to achieve the minimum EPC rating will require alterations to the property to improve its energy performance, which may take months to rectify.

"This could lead to lost income, as the property cannot be let until the works have been completed. The investment value of the property would also be affected until the necessary alterations have been carried out. There are also significant fines for landlords that are in breach of the new rules."

Landlords face fines of £4,000 if a leased residential property is found to have a rating below the new standard, and up to £150,000 for leased commercial property.

The rules apply initially to new tenancies or lease renewals, but in 2020 will apply to all existing domestic properties in 2023 and to all existing leased commercial properties. .

“There are some exemptions to the MEES Regulations, but an EPC is required for the vast majority of rented commercial and residential property, including sometimes those with listed building status” Brady adds.

“Landlords should review the Government's guidance on EPCs and MEES regulations carefully and take steps to ensure they comply with the new regulations."