Did you know that there is a new law coming into force that will affect landlords with non-domestic properties?.

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented) Property Regulations 2015 set out a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) for all privately rented properties in England and Wales.

From 01 April 2018, it will be unlawful to grant a new lease or lease renewals (including extensions) on commercial properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G, unless an exemption applies.

How does MEES affect you?

It is estimated that 17% of commercial properties in England and Wales currently have an EPC rating of F or G, meaning that a large proportion of properties will fail to meet the minimum standard, resulting in non-compliance.

Failure to comply with the minimum standard can result in hefty fines, reputational penalties and damages to your investments.

What can you do to minimise the risk of non-compliance?

With less than six months until the regulations are enforced, it is important for landlords to understand how their property investments will be affected by MEES, in order to reduce impacts and ensure compliance by the enforcement date.

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You can act now by commissioning an up-to-date EPC for your property to identify its current energy efficiency rating (which may have changed over time) in order for you to plan any necessary improvements or register for exemptions by next April.

Need help? Here's our guide to MEES

If you currently own or let out a commercial property, you may be concerned about how MEES may affect you and your investments. In particular, the financial implications.

Here at Stroma Tech, we have created a MEES guide aimed at supporting you to develop an understanding around the energy efficiency standard to help you satisfy your legal requirements.

• What is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES)?

• Which properties and tenancies does MEES apply to?

• When are they enforced and what are the penalties for non-compliance?

• Are they any exemptions? How do I register for an exemption?

• How can I identify energy improvements to my property?

• Is there any funding available?

How can Stroma Tech help?

Stroma Tech is working with landlords and property owners across England and Wales to assess their rental properties against the new legal standard. Our national team of accredited energy assessors can determine risks early and recommend energy efficiency improvements to minimise risks of non-compliance to your property investments. If you think that your property is entitled to an exemption, we can also help you to manage PRS exemptions to ensure you remain legally compliant.

Our MEES services cover:

• MEES risk assessment

• Individual property MEES assessment

• PRS exemption register management

• MEES compliance summary, improvement plan and funding assessment

For more information, please download our MEES guide or visit our MEES page.

To find out how we can assist with identifying immediate or future risks surrounding your property portfolio, call us today on 0845 621 22 22, or email [email protected]

Download the free MEES guide here.

www.stromatech.com

(LM)