We aim to ensure local landlords stay in touch with the latest news. At Andrew Lees Lettings, we are pleased to say we have assisted many landlords in and around Bridgwater to make informed decisions about letting rental property.

It is vital landlords are aware that changes might arise with respect to MEES and EPC. Nothing has been agreed so far, the measures are only at the proposal stage, but it is helpful for landlords to know what changes might arise.

On September 30th, the Government initiated a consultation process looking for opinions on a range of policy proposals.

They intend to maintain their commitment to upgrading the private rental sector in England and Wales to Band C of the Energy Performance Certificate by 2030.

Will there be benefits to landlords?

The Government claims this process will offer huge benefits to tenants, landlords and the environment.

The proposals are as follows:

  • All new tenancies from 1 April 2025 and all existing tenancies by 1 April 2028 will have to meet band C or higher on an EPC

  • Landlords will be required to have a valid EPC in place at all times while a property is let

  • Landlords will be required to install ‘fabric first’ measures e.g. insulation

  • Landlords will be encouraged to support the uptake of smart meters

  • Tenants will be able to request improvements and redress where a property does not meet the requirements

  • Landlords will be required to provide an EPC prior to a property being advertised

What do industry professionals say?

Meera Chindooroy, the Deputy Director of Policy at The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has called for more financial support for landlords. Meera said; “Whatever the outcome of the consultation – it closes on December 30, so any new laws likely won’t be passed before the end of March next year – the direction of travel is clear. Landlords must accelerate the upgrade of their properties. We have consistently called for further funding to be made available to the sector to encourage landlords to go above and beyond the legal minimum.”

Timothy Douglas is the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA Propertymark) Policy and Campaigns Manager, and he said; “On the face of it these proposals simply do not take into account the state of the UK's housing stock. We all want to see more energy efficient homes, but the new rules and requirements must be realistic and achievable. Landlords and their letting agents are already taking the brunt of tax changes and many are providing support to tenants with Covid-related arrears.”

Timothy concluded by saying; “A simplified [EPC] exemptions regime and additional financial support must be made available otherwise the measures in their current form, will not be achievable and that would mean further reductions in the supply of rented accommodation available.”

As an experienced letting agent serving the Bridgwater community, and many of the surrounding areas, we are here to help. We promise to stay in touch with the latest technology, helping our clients to achieve more, and we aim to support the local community as best we can. If there is anything, we can assist you with; please contact Andrew Lees Lettings today.