From 1st April 2018 the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) will make it unlawful to grant new leases of residential or commercial property with an EPC rating of less than “E”. From 1st April 2020 this will apply to all existing and new residential leases and from 1st April 2023 to all existing commercial leases.
The obligations contained in the Regulation (The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property)(England and Wales) Regulations 2015) are placed on landlords and the cost implications will be significant. Landlords will therefore try and pass on the obligations placed on them, and associated costs, to tenants via specific lease clauses relating to repair or recoup costs they incur by appropriately worded service charge clauses.
Matthew Ward, Partner at Haslams said “It is very important that before committing to enter into a new lease professional advice is sought with regards the implications of MEES and related lease clauses”.
Contact Matthew Ward at Haslams on 0118 921 1533 for further advice.
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Matthew Ward
BSc (Hons) MRICS