How To Get A Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate in London

From 1 April 2020 private landlords in London will be able to own properties with guaranteed tenants unless they have an ‘E’ minimum Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate or the property has an exemption registered. It can no longer be legally rented.

This is based on the Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate regulations introduced by the government of UK. ‘F’ or ‘G’ From April 2021, this has been expanded to include existing tenants.

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Why was MEES introduced?
What is the MEES exemption?
Non-compliance with MEES carries what penalties?
London Energy Efficiency Regulation

Why was MEES introduced?

The government has identified Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate ‘F’ and ‘G’ rental properties as energy inefficient and could help improve energy efficiency.

Reduction of greenhouse gasses
Reduce energy costs for tenants
Improving the condition of the entire rental property
Reduce maintenance costs

What is the MEES exemption?

Landlords can offer the following exemptions:

‘High Expenditure’ Exemption – Where the cost of the reasonable improvements proposed to upgrade the property to an ‘E’ rating exceeds £3,500 (plus VAT).
“All Improvements Made” Exemption – If all possible energy efficiency improvements are made within cost limits (or nothing else), nothing else can be done to upgrade the property to an “E” rating or above. If it cannot reasonably be done.
“Wall Barrier” Exemption – Where the only significant improvement is the installation of wall barriers and this adversely affects the structure or fabric of the property
“Third Party Consent” Exemption – Development requires the consent of another party (e.g., tenant, mortgagee, or waived landlord) and consent is not obtained or consent is obtained, but Where consent cannot be reasonably expected.
“Asset depreciation” exemption – if the required improvement reduces the value of the asset by 5% or more
“New Landlord” Temporary Exemption – If you suddenly become a landlord, you can apply for a six-month exemption to bring your property back up to standard or give you time to register another valid exemption.

Enrollment is based on self-verification and exemptions apply at the time of enrolment. In other words, if you have good reason not to offer your property for rent to at least an “E” level in the Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate (e.g., you can confirm that the above exemption applies), you should legally rent the property as soon as possible. I can do it. Freedom is just around the corner.

You must obtain all reports, quotes, etc. that support your exemption claim, such as surveyor evaluations or supplier/contractor quotes. The exemption usually lasts for 5 years. Also, improvements should then be made to bring the property down to standard. Otherwise, another exemption may be granted.

Non-compliance with MEES carries what penalties?

Local authorities can impose civil penalties of up to £5,000 on property. This may include various penalties such as:

If the rule is broken by her for more than 3 months – up to £4,000
False or misleading information entered on the PRS exempt register – up to £1,000
Landlord fails to follow compliance notice – up to £2,000

In addition to these financial penalties, a landlord who does not have a valid Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate cannot make Section 21 notices to take ownership of the property at the end of the rental term. Another potential cost is loss of rental income if the property is no longer legally available for rent.

For more information on what to do to ensure your property is compliant with the law. And as environmentally friendly as possible, read our latest guide to owning a green property. Also, bills and Cost of Living podcast and join energy experts for practical advice to help you make informed decisions about how to future-proof your home. please.