This is your timely reminder that should the Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings (MEPB) Bill, currently on its second reading in the House of Commons, be passed, that the next set of energy performance changes to hit the property market are due to come into force in December 2025, writes Amanda Early, Senior Associate with Birketts LLP. 

Whilst this may seem like a long way off, bear in mind it was two and half years ago that COVID-19 took over our lives and that only seems like yesterday. So, are you ready for the change?

What are the current rules?

Under the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations, a Landlord of both domestic and non-domestic privately rented property must not grant new leases, or continue existing leases of “sub-standard” properties. A property will be “sub-standard” if its energy efficiency rating is an F or a G.  

What does the MEPB Bill say?

To meet the Government’s commitment to increase the energy performance of buildings within England and Wales, the Bill requires any residential tenancy granted on or after 31 December 2025, to have an energy efficiency performance of at least Band C. All tenancies entered into before 31 December 2025 have a further grace period, but must be at Band C from December 2028.

What does Band C mean?

The energy performance of a property is measured using the “Standard Assessment Procedure” (SAP) which is a point system ranking a property’s energy efficiency on a scale of 1 to 100, 100 being the best possible outcome. Band C requires a property to achieve between 69 to 80 SAP points.

Points are acquired based on energy efficient measures that are in place at a property. Actions such as installing double-glazing and/or loft and wall insulation, replacing your boiler or even installing solar panels are likely to increase your score to a Band C rating or above.

Read the full article here.