Clampdown on landlords renting homes with worst performing energy efficiency ratings
Landlords in Shropshire may be issued with a Compliance Notice as part of a clampdown to improve the energy efficiency of the worst-performing privately rented homes in the county.
From 1 April 2020 it became an offence for landlords of any domestic private rented property to grant a new tenancy or continue to let any property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below E, unless the landlord has registered a valid exemption on the Government’s Private Rented Sector Exemptions Register.
Shropshire Council is responsible for enforcing compliance with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations and is actively investigating any potential breaches of the MEES regulations.
The council has been contacting landlords who have properties that do not meet the minimum energy efficient standards, to ensure they make improvements to their properties to reach the minimum rating or direct them to apply for an exemption.
The council is investigating any potential breaches of the MEES regulations, and enforcement action will be considered against landlords that fail to bring their property up to the required standard.
Where it appears a property has been let in breach of the regulations or an invalid exemption has been registered, the council may issue a compliance notice requesting further information. If a breach is confirmed, the landlord may receive a financial penalty of up to £5,000. The council may also publish details of the breach on the PRS (Private Rental Sector) Exemptions Register
Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth, regeneration and housing, said:-
“Improving energy efficiency in any property – rented or otherwise – is more important than ever, as we all face higher utility bills. Reducing heat loss through better insulation and installing more energy efficient and low carbon heating and lighting will not only help to significantly reduce energy bills, but will also reduce carbon emissions, which is vitally important if we are to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“We know most landlords are responsible and are willing to comply with their obligations to ensure tenants have warm homes that are not cold and damp, which will help to improve their health and wellbeing; but we will not hesitate to take action against those landlords who breach the rules.
“Those in breach of the regulations can face a fine of up to £5,000, and I would encourage landlords to ensure their properties comply under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards legislation to avoid formal action and a potential fine.”
Advice and support
For advice on how to comply with the regulations contact Shropshire Council’s housing enforcement team at MEES@shropshire.gov.uk or via 0345 678 9067. You can also visit the council’s website
Guidance for landlords of domestic private rented property on how to comply with the ‘Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency’ standard (EPC band E) can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance
Shropshire Council’s free and impartial Keep Shropshire Warm service can help residents access a range of energy efficiency grants. More details can be found here: Affordable warmth and energy efficiency | Shropshire Council
