The Government is consulting on closing the EPC loophole that has allowed many short-term lets, holiday homes, and Airbnb-style rentals to operate without an EPC — and without meeting Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

Currently, EPC rules for short-term lets sit only in guidance and apply only if the property is let as a furnished holiday let for 4+ months a year, with guests paying the energy bills. This means many operators have avoided EPC obligations — and by extension, MEES — entirely.

Two live consultations signal that this is set to change:

The Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings consultation proposes amending the EPB Regulations to explicitly require a valid EPC for all short-term rental properties — regardless of who pays the bills or how long it’s let.

The Improving Energy Performance of Privately Rented Homes consultation makes clear that bringing short-term lets into the EPC regime could also bring them within scope of PRS MEES regulations in future.

The aim is to stop landlords switching to holiday lets to avoid EPC & MEES standards, and to apply consistent efficiency rules across the housing stock.

If you operate in the holiday let, Airbnb, or R2SA sectors, it’s time to pay attention. If these proposals go ahead, you’ll need a valid EPC — and you may also need to meet MEES minimum standards.

We recommend reviewing your portfolio now, keeping an eye on the consultations, and considering a response to ensure your views are heard.

To obtain your AirBnB EPC Quote just click HERE