Commercial property landlords alerted over changes to minimum energy efficiency rating

07 Sep 2023

Published in: Member News

---

Commercial property landlords alerted over changes to minimum energy efficiency rating

---

Commercial property landlords could be faced with owning properties they cannot let or even sell if they fail to meet new energy efficiency rules which could be introduced by the Government.

That’s the warning from specialist property solicitor, Phil Hunt, who says that a phased introduction of new minimum energy ratings between now and 2030 is set to catch out many landlords. The proposed new rules will see the Government raising the minimum energy efficiency rating for all properties to a C rating by 2027, with all properties having to reach a higher B energy grade by 2030.

The time before the two deadlines, known as “compliance windows”, will support landlords by allowing them time to complete improvement works and obtain the necessary Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which must be in place to sell or let a property.

Phil, an associate at regional law firm mfg Solicitors, said: “Whitehall-led changes to energy efficiency rules have been on the cards for some time, and whilst the changes have not been confirmed, there is likely to be a clear seven-year timetable for landlords to work towards.

“The importance of the minimum energy efficiency rules cannot be overstated. Not only do they affect a landlord’s ability to let property, but also a seller’s ability to sell, and a borrower’s ability to borrow. “Naturally, any buyer or lender will want to know that the rules have been complied with before they proceed with a transaction, and I am keen that landlords realise the need to be proactive and begin to put changes in place now, to avoid owning a property which they cannot sell, let or borrow against.

“My message is that landlords must take the best advice and start looking across their whole portfolio now to audit where the risks are and therefore avoid issues and what could be an unprofitable property investment.”

Commercial landlords looking for more information on the proposed new energy efficiency rules can email Phil through phil.hunt@mfgsolicitors.com mfg Solicitors offer a wide variety of commercial property services across all of its offices in Worcestershire, Shropshire and the West Midlands.

This includes advice on the sale or purchase of industrial or retail premises, refinancing, commercial planning and development and complex land issues.