What Is MEES?
MEES is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards first invented in 2014
MEES will have a significant impact on landlords, tenants and property advisors
What Are The Objectives of MEES?
Help to achieve the UK’s legislative targets for CO2 emissions from buildings to be ‘close to zero’ by 2050
Improve energy efficiency of poor performing properties
Stop the stand-off between landlord and tenant over who should foot the bill for energy efficiency improvements that benefit the tenant
MEES Timeline
Feb 2105
MEES regulations applied to commercial and residential properties
Apr 2016
Power put in the hands of tenants as thy are now able to request consent from their landlord to install Green Deal compliant energy efficiency improvements (as long as there is no up-front or net cost to the landlord)
Apr 2018
MEES will apply to the grant of a lease on or after 1 April including lease renewals (where an EPC exists)
Landlord needs to make sure a property complies with MEES before the lease is granted
Apr 2023
1 April 2023 MEES will be extended to cover all leases, including existing leases but only if the property has a valid EPC on the relevant date
What Will The Impact Of MEES Be?
MEES will have a significant impact on landlords, tenants and property advisors
Take Action Now:
to avoid higher compliance costs
Penalties could be significant: based on the rateable value of a commercial property up to a max of £150,000
The valuation of properties will be affected with associated implications for secured lending
Rent reviews on ‘F’ and ‘G’ rated properties will be affected
Possible implications for dilapidations assessmentas
Will I Be Exempt?
Not Covered By MEES:
Properties that do not need an EPC
Properties with a very short lease
Properties let for more than 99 years
Landlords will be exempt once all cost effective energy efficiency improvements are complete
Landlords will be exempt if 3rd party consents are not available or if compliance would devalue the property
Exemptions will be lodged on a central register
An exemption from MEES may not transfer to a buyer as circumstances may change