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In autumn 2020, the government began a consultation on tightening MEES rules. The proposals are currently just that, and no regulations have even been drafted yet. The consultation closed in January 2021, but the results have not yet been published.
However, the main proposed changes are as follows:
The plan is to enforce this from 1 April 2025 for existing tenancies, and from 1 April 2028 for new tenancies.
The government says this would be sufficient to bring more than 90% of D-rated properties up to a C rating, as well as nearly 60% of E-rated properties. It’s not clear whether existing spending would count towards the new cap.
This would control in which order work is carried out, so improvements to the fabric of the building (ie insulation, windows and doors) must be done before additional measures such as new heating systems are installed.
The exemptions would remain largely unchanged. Additionally, the proposals recommend clarifying the rules for listed buildings and those in conservation areas, and introducing a central database of compliance and exemptions.
Mick Quick of Tech Surveys in Plymouth has recently pre-recorded a Zoom presentation for our members, he talks through the likely changes and what you can do now to prepare. If you would like to view the presentation, please contact the SWLA office and we can send you the link by email.
