EPC certificates and MEES Regulations
Information about regulations regarding private rented properties and Energy Performance Certificates
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)
Click the link to see The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (opens new window)
Click here to Find an energy certificate (opens new window) for your property.
Click here to see MEES guidance for Landlords https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance (opens new window)
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 above, or register an exemption, before you enter into a new tenancy.
If you are currently letting a property with an EPC rating of F or G, and you haven't already taken action, you must improve the property's rating to E or above immediately, or register an exemption.
If your property is currently empty, and you are not planning to let it, you don't need to take any action to improve its rating until you decide to let it again.
South Holland District Council are checking all private rented properties in the district to ensure compliance with the MEES Regulations. Compliance Notices are being issued to landlords of all identified privately let properties in breach of regulations. If the requirements of the Compliance Notice are not met by the deadline stated, landlords will be issued with a financial Penalty Notice with a maximum fine of £5000 per property. Click the link below to see the way we calculate the financial penalty:
SHDC MEES Financial Penalty Guidance (PDF) [69KB] (opens new window)
Information for landlords
Compliance Notice
If your property is identified as being non-compliant (is an F or G rating), you will receive a Compliance Notice letter.
The letter will advise you that, according to our records, your property has been identified as a non-compliant private rented property. If our records are incorrect and your property is not privately rented or you know that your EPC rating is within the regulations, please contact us and let us know (email housingstandards@sholland.gov.uk). You will be required to provide proof of your compliant EPC certificate and may be asked to provide proof that your property is not being let out.
If your property is being privately rented and has an EPC rating of F or G, you will have 28 days to make improvements to the property in order to achieve an EPC rating of A to E and provide proof of an updated certificate. If the work required is going to take longer than 28 days, you will not receive a penalty notice provided you keep in contact with us and are able to provide evidence of the works being undertaken.
From the 1 April 2022, a new raft of funding for energy efficiency related improvements to privately rented properties is now available. Landlords in the South Holland district can apply through our partnership scheme under the Green Home Grants Local Authority Delivery (LAD) Scheme. Grants of up to £16,666 are available to landlords, with landlords being required to fund one third of the cost of works themselves. For further information and to apply click Green Home Grants (opens new window)
South Holland District Council are unable to recommend an assessor or advise the type of works required in order to achieve the compliant rating. Please contact an accredited assessor for advice and information. Click here https://www.gov.uk/get-new-energy-certificate (opens new window) to find an accredited assessor or contact the assessor detailed on your existing certificate.
Penalty Notice
If you fail to respond to the Compliance Notice by the stated deadline, you will be issued with a financial Penalty Notice. You will be required to pay the amount specified by the date for payment which will be detailed in the notice. All penalty notices issued will be published.
If you wish to appeal against the Penalty Notice, you should submit a request in writing within 14 days, for us to review the decision to issue the Notice. Applications to review the notice should be addressed to the Housing Standards Team (email housingstandards@sholland.gov.uk), together with your reasons for requesting a review of the Penalty Notice.
If after a review you do not agree with the review decision, you have a right of appeal against this decision to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), but you must do this within 21 days after this Notice is served.
General Regulatory Chamber
HM Courts and Tribunals Service
PO Box 9300
Leicester
LE1 8DJ
Tel: 0300 123 4504
Email: grc@justice.gov.uk