InformationEnergy Performance Certificates
Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard
Guidance for tenants
Energy performance certificates Energy performance certificates (EPCs) explained - Energy Saving Trust (EPCs) tell you how energy efficient a building is.
EPCs rate a home from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). EPCs will tell you how costly it will be to heat and light your property, and what its CO2 emissions are likely to be.
An EPC includes:
- cost effective ways to improve your EPC rating and
- information on what the energy efficiency rating could be if you made the recommended improvements.
Even if you rent your home, you could still implement some improvements noted on the EPC, such as switching to more energy efficient light bulbs.
EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
Landlords must provide tenants with an energy performance certificate (EPC) issued by an accredited energy assessor unless the property is exempt. Shelter Legal England - Energy performance certificates, requirements and enforcement - Shelter England
Tenants can make EPC complaints to Trading standards - Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay
Guidance for landlords of domestic private rented property on how to comply with the 2018 ‘Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency’ standard (EPC band E)
The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties.
The Regulations apply to all domestic private rented properties that are:
- let on specific types of tenancy agreement
- legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Since 1 April 2020, landlords can no longer let or continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E, unless they have a valid exemption in place.
If you are currently planning to let a property with an EPC rating of F or G, you need to improve the property’s rating to E, or register an exemption, before you enter a new tenancy.
If you are currently letting a property with an EPC rating of F or G, and you haven’t already acted, you must improve the property’s rating to E immediately or register an exemption.
Funding improvements to your property
The cost cap: you are not currently required to spend more than £3,500 (including VAT) on energy efficiency improvements.
If you cannot improve your property to EPC E for £3,500 or less, you should make all the improvements which can be made up to that amount, then register an ‘all improvements made’ exemption.
Registering an exemption
There are various exemptions that apply to the prohibition on letting a property with an energy efficiency rating below E. If your property meets the criteria for any of the exemptions, you will be able to let it once you have registered the exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register.
Enforcement and penalties
The MEES Regulations are enforced by Trading Standards who have a range of powers to check and ensure compliance.
If Trading Standards believes a landlord has failed to fulfil their obligations under the MEES Regulations, they can serve the landlord with a compliance notice. If a breach is confirmed, the landlord may receive a financial penalty.
Non-compliance with the regulations
Compliance notices
Penalties
Right of review and right of appeal
Full compliance and enforcement process
Setting long-term energy performance standards
The Government has committed to look at a long-term plan to improve the energy performance standards of privately rented homes in England and Wales, with the aim for upgrades to rented homes to EPC Band C or equivalent by 2030.