BEIS releases Government response on domestic rented sector minimum energy efficiency

Detail of outcomeThe government response sets out the policy decisions on amendments to The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 for domestic properties.The key decisions include: the introduction of a capped landlord contribution of £3,500 (inclusive of VAT) removal of the Consent Exemption currently available where a sitting tenant does not consent to a Green Deal charge inclusion of an evidential requirement for the registration of a ‘high cost’ exemption curtailment of the period of validity of previously registered ‘no cost’ exemptionsOther policy decisions relate to the operational efficacy of the Regulations.Dr Joanne Wade Deputy Director (incoming) of the ADE said:Introducing a capped landlord contribution priciple into the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations is welcome but the announced cap of £3,500 isn't high enough to set us firmly on the road to EPC C.Government has taken a step in the right direction by not setting a cap at £2,500, but it should have gone one step further and set the cap at £5,000 in order to make a real difference to the lives of private renters.Detail of feedback receivedThe consultation received 198 formal responses.The majority of responses were supportive of the government’s key proposal to amend the domestic minimum standard regulations to introduce a capped landlord contribution element. However there was some disagreement over the proposed level of the cap, and a number of other specific proposals, with a range of views expressed on these issues.The formal government response setting out government’s position on the issues raised by respondents will be published later in the year.Download the full document here.