Energy Performance Certificate Exemptions

We are able to offer guidance and support to landlords of privately rented domestic and non-domestic property on complying with the 2018 ‘Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency’ standard (EPC band E) and how to work towards the new Band C changes in 2025.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards 2018 (MEES)

MEES, under the umbrella of the Energy Act 2011 for England and Wales, are regulations for the energy performance of let properties. Let domestic properties are required to achieve a minimum energy efficiency standard of "E" or above by April 2018 or April 2020, or face penalties for non-compliance.

In order to continue receiving rental income from poorly performing properties, below an "E" standard, landlords must implement a series of energy efficiency improvements to achieve an "E" rating or above or apply for an exemption. If an exemption is to be relied upon to continue letting a property below the minimum level of energy efficiency, the landlord must register the required information on the "Private Rental Sector Exemptions Register".

In the first instance, and in order to qualify for this register, a New Energy Performance Certificate along with a recommendation report will need to be provided. We call this our Positive EPC report.

How Does a Positive EPC Differ?

A Positive EPC provides a EPC showing the property "as is" and a series of scenarios showing the most cost effective and practical route to improve the energy efficiency of a property to an "E" rating and above. Where the property already reaches an "E" rating we will show how to get to "C" rating and above where possible to protect against future changes.

Our Positive EPC is performed by experienced energy efficiency engineers who are especially knowledgeable of period and hard to treat properties commonly found on rural estates and older towns and villages. This increases accuracy over and above a standard EPC provider.

Once the New EPC and Positive EPC are produced we can then apply to the PRS register for you under one of the following scenarios

• No funding is available
• Funding is available, improvements have been made that achieve a 7-year payback and the property remains below an E.
• A tenant does not permit the landlord the right to perform the necessary upgrades
• If a relevant measure will cause damage to the property (e.g. solid wall insulation)
• The property is due to be demolished.

These exemptions will end in April 2019 and be replaced with a new set of exemptions rules following the current consultation results. These are expected to introduce a landlord’s contribution of up to £3500.

Please do Give us a call on 01245 344534 if you require help with an F & G rated property