Partner Article

Act now on energy performance

With next April quite literally ‘months away’ Lambert Smith Hampton warns that actions have to be taken now to ensure buildings conform to new, minimum, energy efficiency standards.

“Under the MEES Regulations, from 1st April next year landlords of non-domestic, privately rented property are prohibited from granting a new lease on what are sub-standard buildings,” says Peter Dalby, director, building consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton.

“To be clear MEES, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, are designed to bite. Landlords of commercial property portfolios will not be allowed to agree new property leases on buildings with Energy Performance Certification (EPC) rated at levels F and G.

“While many landlords are considering the risk of the 18% of properties that are F and G standard, few have considered the 47% that are D and E rated which may also become caught by the same Regulations. Very clearly professional advice is required now.”

There are exclusions and exemptions “but one needs to be clear” on where these apply. “Further,” says Mr Dalby “if there are exemptions these need to be registered before the 1st April next year. If not landlords would be in breach of the MEES Regulations and could be subject to financial penalties.”

The exemptions register opened last April just after the government published guidance clarifying some aspects of the regulations. “With EPC calculations regularly updated some properties may find their rating adversely changed. So with this possibility and time fast running out, seeking advice is essential,” adds Mr. Dalby

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lambert Smith Hampton .