Landlords could face hefty fines if they fail to bring properties up to energy efficiency standards

Local landlords letting energy inefficient properties could receive hefty fines under new Government legislation, North East Lincolnshire Council’s housing officers have warned.

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) legislation, which was updated in April last year, requires all rented properties on new or existing tenancies to hold an Energy Efficiency Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above, unless the landlord has a valid exemption in place.

All properties are no longer allowed to be let if they hold an EPC rating of F or G, except where exemptions apply.

The standard applies to all domestic private rented properties that are:

• let on specific types of tenancy agreement.
• legally required to have an EPC.

Landlords who are currently planning to let a property with an EPC rating of F or G, will need to improve the property’s rating to E, or register an exemption, before entering a new tenancy.

Those who are currently letting a property with an EPC rating of F or G, and haven’t already taken action, must improve the property’s rating to E immediately, or register an exemption.

To help fund these improvements, Landlords may find they are eligible for funding though either the Councils Landlord Energy Repayment Loan, or the Governments Green Homes Grant funding. 

Any landlords failing to comply with the legislation will face enforcement action and could receive fines of up to £5,000 per property.

Councillor Callum Procter, portfolio holder for economic growth, housing and tourism at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “With many of us spending much more time at home, it has never been more important that homes are well insulated and energy efficient.

“If you are a landlord, I urge you to act now and ensure that the energy performance of your properties meet the standards and in return reduce energy bills, keep your tenants safe and avoid enforcement action.

“Full guidance on how to check, improve and fund your properties energy performance, or register for an exemption, can be found via gov.uk. You can also get in touch with our Home Improvement Team for advice.”

For further details on this or help to access funding to improve the energy efficiency of your rental propertycall the Home Improvement Team on (01472) 324727 or email homeimprovementteam@nelincs.gov.uk.

Full guidance for landlords of domestic private rented property on how to comply with the 2018 ‘Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency’ standard (EPC band E) can be found at: Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard – landlord guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).