Tewkesbury Borough Council has taken a proactive stance in enforcing Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) within the private rented sector. The council recently issued fines totaling £4,500 to a landlord for renting out properties with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings below the legally required E rating. This action underscores the importance of compliance with MEES regulations, which have been in effect since April 2020.
Enforcement Actions by Local Authorities
While enforcement of MEES regulations has been inconsistent across the country, Tewkesbury Borough Council has demonstrated a commitment to upholding these standards. The council's Environmental Health Team regularly conducts checks to ensure compliance and has issued several fines against landlords with non-compliant properties. This proactive approach serves as a reminder to landlords of the importance of maintaining up-to-date EPC ratings and adhering to legal requirements.(Tewkesbury Borough Council)
Upcoming Changes to EPC Standards
Looking ahead, the government has proposed tightening EPC requirements. It is anticipated that by 2028, all new tenancies will require a minimum EPC rating of C, with all properties meeting this standard by 2030. Failure to comply with these future regulations could result in fines up to £30,000 per property.