EPCs and MEES

Question 1

Can you explain your understanding of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) to me? What is the minimum level of EPC rating required?

Answer 1

MEES 2015 require a minimum EPC rating of Level E to let a building from 1 April 2018

Question 2

How does MEES impact upon your role?

Answer 2

Residential homes I develop must meet Level E to be sold / let

Question 3

What are the key dates for MEES?

Answer 3

• New leases from 1 April 2018 (commercial and resi)
• Existing leases from 1 April 2020 (resi)
• Existing leases from 1 April 2023 (commercial)

Question 4

What buildings / lease types do not require MEES?

Answer 4

• If a building doesn’t need EPC
• Place of worship
• Industrial units or workshops with low energy demand
• Tenancy less than 6 months no security of tenure
• Tenancy more than 99 years

Question 5

What are the penalties for non-compliance with MEES?

Answer 5

• Breach of less than 3 months up to £5k or 10% of Rateable Value up to max £50k
• Breach more than 3 months up to £10k or 20% of Rateable Value up to max £150k
• Policed by the Local Authority

Question 6

What is an EPC?

Answer 6

Energy Performance Certificate

Question 7

What buildings require an EPC? What are the exemptions?

Answer 7

• All commercial buildings over 50 sqm
• When it is newly built, sold, let for more than 6 months and less 99 years
• Newly refurbished, heating, air conditioning, ventilation services altered, building subject to Building Regs
• Sale / lease of residential buildings / refurbishment
• Sub-letting or assigning a lease
• Exemptions are listed buildings, no heating, religious, temporary, buildings due for demolition, residential units not occupied

Question 8

When is an EPC required? How long are they valid for?

Answer 8

• Selling
• Letting
• Constructing a building
• Valid for 10 years

Question 9

Which buildings are exempt from having an EPC?

Answer 9

• Listed or officially protected and the minimum energy performance requirements unacceptably alter it
• Temporary building only going to be used for 2 years or less
• Place of worship for other religious activities
• Industrial site, workshop, non-residential agricultural building that doesn’t use much energy
• Detached building less than 50sqm floor area
• Due to be demolished by seller / landlord

Question 10

When do you need to display an EPC?

Answer 10

• On advertisements for property need to show the energy rating and the graph if there’s space
• Online marketing must have a link to front page of EPC

Question 11

What is included in an EPC?

Answer 11

• Recommendation report unless there’s no reasonable performance energy improvements
• Reference number
• Address
• Estimate building floor area
• Date issued

Question 12

How would you find an EPC?

Answer 12

• Advertised by agent during sale
• Available public information; gov.uk

Question 13

What are the penalties for not having an EPC?

Answer 13

• Local Authorities enforce regulations
• Residential: £200 penalty for non-display of EPC information on marketing material
• Commercial: penalty is equal to 12.5% of the RV of the building (min £500 and max £5,000 fine)