As concerns for the environment continue to grow, the government has now set wheels in motion for the next stage of its Clean Growth Strategy. In January 2021, it announced a consultation to raise the MEES on tenanted non-domestic properties from an EPC band ‘E’ to an EPC band ‘C’ with an expected increase to band ‘B’ just a number of years later. The consultation detailed a “phased trajectory for achieving the improvements for new tenancies only from 2025 and for all tenancies from 2028”.

When it comes to EPC penalty fines, there are a few exemptions based on property type. These include buildings with grade-listed or officially protected status and places of worship or other religious activity. Whilst these older buildings naturally score considerably worse in an EPC evaluation, they’re exempt from making such drastic changes in order to preserve the history and architecture of the property.

Your clients can find out if their property is exempt from EPC documentation and environmental changes here.

Previously the MEES was only enforced in new tenancies. However, the new regulations will see the MEES brought in on all tenancies from 2028. So, what does this mean for your clients? Well, EPC documentation will need to be made available to tenants at all times and can be requested by prospective tenants when viewing the property.

There are a huge number of accredited energy assessors that have been approved for EPC evaluations by the government. These private firms will visit a property, assess the energy performance and provide a full report. This doesn’t come without a little dip into a back pocket though, as EPCs come at a cost of approximately £100. Your clients may be able to source one for less by perusing the web for a better deal.

The good news for landlords is that once executed, an EPC will be valid for the next ten years.

Your client has found a suitable EPC provider, an evaluation has been taken and the results are in... but what happens if the newly required band ‘C’ or above hasn’t been met? What does this mean for landlords?

In this instance, it would be wise to have a comprehensive and detailed EPC report in your arsenal. This outlines a list of recommendations for improving the property’s energy efficiency. From here, you can decide which areas will bring you the most reward if shown a little love and investment - such as replacing single glazed windows with low E-double glazed windows.

With a number of key areas in the home affecting environmental output, it can be tricky knowing where to start. Opting for small and simple solutions, such as energy-efficient light bulbs is always a quick and easy fix for your clients. But it’s the bigger, more costly changes that are guaranteed to boost your EPC rating. By investing in these areas earlier, it will really help a landlord to improve their score. 

Your client could consider: 

• Fitting a cost effective combi boiler 
• Insulating the cavity walls and loft space
• Fitting a tank jacket to the hot water cylinder 
• Fitting a wall mounted thermostat with easy access to hot water and radiators