Are You Up to Speed on MEES?

If you are wondering what MEES stands for, you’re not alone. MEES, or Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards come into effect in two weeks’ time. Unfortunately, according to a survey conducted by a specialist landlord insurance firm,

only four percent of landlords know what MEES is. The rest are blissfully unaware.

To make matters worse, only 30 percent of landlords and tenants know the energy rating of the property and less than five percent of landlords have made energy improvements to make their property more energy efficient.

ONS 2017 data shows that more than 64k properties in the private rental sector have an EPC rating ‘F’ or below

“The lack of awareness around this key legislation is astounding. Landlords and tenants need to know what their EPC rating is, as it could not only help them avoid a fine, but also could save them large sums of money,” says Just Landlords.

Making Energy Efficiency Improvements

Landlords need to get their skates on. Any landlord with a property that’s designated ‘F’ or below is looking at a £4,000 fine. If you want to avoid a big fine, you must act fast. Simple measures such as changing to LED energy efficient light bulbs can make a difference, but older properties will benefit more from energy efficiency improvements such as extra loft insulation and UPV double-glazing.

Improving the energy efficiency of a property will make it easier to find – and keep – good quality tenants.