Asaf Navot: Landlords cannot forget MEES regulation

The regulation will be coming into force on 1 April.

Asaf Navot: Landlords cannot forget MEES regulation

Asaf Navot, chief executive of Home Made has stressed that landlords must not forget the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The regulation will be coming into force on 1 April.

Originally introduced in April 2018, the regulation noted that all properties marketed for let were legally required to have an EPC rating of E or above before the commencement of any new tenancies.

However, the legislation will now be extended to also cover properties where current tenancies pre-date April 2018.

Navot stresses that landlords must ensure they are meeting at least the new minimum standards despite the logistical challenges imposed by the outbreak.

Standard regulatory requirements by landlords have not relaxed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the financial penalty for non-compliance includes a fine of up to £5,000 per infraction.

Navot said: “Given the COVID-19 crisis, it is understandable that many landlords have forgotten about the impending changes to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards regulation coming into force on 1 April.

“It is vital to maintain open channels of communication with your tenants to ensure that they are not vulnerable or self-isolating before proceeding with any essential work.”