We’re committed to improving the standard of privately-rented properties in Hammersmith & Fulham to protect renters and ensure that local landlords follow the rules.
That’s why we’re now looking to work with landlords and private renters to enforce the minimum energy efficiency standards. Properties that are more energy efficient are cheaper to heat, more comfortable to live in and better for our environment.
More than a third of homes in Hammersmith & Fulham are now rented from private landlords by more than 27,500 tenants. And this is another way you can help us make private renting better in H&F. Recently, we’ve required selected landlords to have a licence to let properties – this also helps improve housing conditions for renters.
What are the minimum energy efficiency standards?
Since 1 April 2020, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards have made it unlawful to rent a private domestic property if it has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G.
Enforcing these standards will bring many benefits to tenants such as saving money on their energy bills, improving their health and wellbeing, and ensuring they live in warm comfortable homes.
This will also support ongoing efforts to improve the living standards of private rented tenants in H&F by increasing the quality of homes and reducing fuel poverty.
Raising energy efficiency standards in the borough will also help to reach our ambitious goal of net zero by 2030.
Our successful selective licensing scheme allows H&F Council to effectively check licensed landlords are meeting standards. The new Energy Efficiency Regulations will allow for wider monitoring within the borough outside of the licensing scheme.
For more information, please see the GOV.UK website.
If you have any queries, please contact us at PRSMEES@lbhf.gov.uk
Frequently asked questions
- What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate EPC is a document that rates a property’s energy efficiency from A to G, with A being the most efficient. It also provides recommendations on energy efficiency measures that can help to save money on energy bills and cut carbon emissions.
- How do you get an EPC?
To get an Energy Performance Certificate, you will need to contact an EPC Assessor who will then arrange a visit to inspect your property. You can find an EPC Assessor on the Government website.
An EPC must be issued to potential buyers and tenants prior to the sale or let of a property. EPCs are valid for 10 years.
- How will we enforce?
Landlords will first be sent a ‘Compliance Notice’ indicating their property is in breach of MEES regulations.
If the landlord fails to comply or provide evidence they are exempt from MEES, they will be issued with a financial penalty of up to £5,000; also information may be shared on the Greater London Authority Public Register for Rogue Landlords.
- What are the exemptions?
If landlords are unable to comply with MEES, they may register an exemption provided they have the correct evidence.
Exemptions last for 5 years* and cannot be passed forward if the property is sold.
If a property fits under multiple exemptions, the landlord can register for whichever one is most appropriate.
There are 6 types of exemptions:
Exemption
Description
High costs
The cheapest improvement exceeds the cost cap.
Property remains sub-standard after improvement
After improvements (within the cost cap), the property still fails to meet EPC E.
Wall insulation
Insulating the walls may have negative impacts on the fabric or structure of the property.
Third party consent
Consent could not be obtained from another party e.g. tenants
Property Devaluation
The installation of energy efficiency measures would reduce the market value of the property by more than 5%.
Recently becoming a landlord*
Only valid in certain circumstances
*If you have recently become a landlord, this exemption is only valid for 6 months
Further information about the exemptions can be found here. Guidance on PRS exemptions and Exemptions Register evidence requirements (www.gov.uk)
- What support is available?
A range of financial support is available for landlords through the eligibility of their tenants. For more information on what grant funding is available, please see our Energy Initiatives page.
For able-to-pay landlords, support is limited. However, organisations such as Ecofurb can provide advice and refer to a network of trusted installers to help with the process.