Short let landlords have been told that their properties won’t have to achieve an EPC C by 2030, unlike the rest of the PRS.

They will be exempt from the MEES scheme, however, properties will still need a valid EPC (currently an E band), and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says the position will remain under review.

In its consultation report, it explains: “Whilst government recognises the concerns raised by responses that some landlords may seek to change their properties to short-term lets to avoid complying with the PRS regulations, it is not the priority of this policy to improve the energy performance of existing short-term lets and potential impacts on the sector require further consideration before a decision is taken."

Poverty

It says the occupiers of short-term lets are not at risk of fuel poverty, unlike the tenants of private rented homes.

The report adds: “Though short-term lets will not be brought into scope of MEES at this time, government will still seek new powers (through primary legislation) for the Secretary of State to be able to apply the standard to licenses to occupy at some point in the future. Government commits to seek views on how such a policy can be tailored to the needs of the sector, prior to making a decision about requiring short-term lets to meet MEES in the future.”

Group

Lobbying group for self-caterers, PASC UK, says its evidence proved owners were not flipping from long-term to short-term lets and that fuel poverty, which MEES seeks to address, is not present in its sector because owners cover energy costs, not guests.

Richard Bond, owner of holiday firm Finest Retreats adds: “MEES would have been regulation for regulation’s sake…it would have harmed local communities, requiring impossible upgrades to character properties while solving nothing. This victory shows the government can distinguish between sensible regulation and expensive compliance burdens that make no economic sense.”

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