The Association of Residential Letting Agents is warning that “thousands” of landlords simply are not ready for energy efficiency changes coming into effect on Sunday.

From April 1 all rented properties on new lets, including renewals, will be required to comply with the government’s minimum energy efficiency standards, or MEES. 

This will ensure tenants have better quality and better insulated homes, as every BTL will be minimum EPC rated E.

“But there are thousands of landlords who aren’t ready for the deadline” warns David Cox, ARLA’s chief executive.

“While the number of properties which are EPC rated F or G has fallen dramatically from 700,000 in 2012, to 300,000 today, many landlords are yet to prepare their properties for the new laws” Cox believes. 

Sunday’s deadline means landlords who do not or cannot conform will either face fines of up to £4,000, or lose money on empty properties which cannot be let until they meet the standards. 

“Either way, it’s another kick in the teeth for hard working landlords, and tenants looking to find affordable accommodation” says Cox.