It’s understood that short-term accommodation has been exempted from Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

Yesterday it was announced that most private rental accommodation would have to abide by a minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating of C by 2030.

But holiday firms say they understand they will be exempt from thew provision.

Holiday lets leaders had warned that the cost and complexity of many EPC upgrades could have destroyed rural holiday lets in particular. 

MEES exemption means properties still need valid EPCs but face no minimum standard requirement to continue trading.

Richard Bond, owner of the Finest Retreats agency, says: “This is the most significant policy win for the sector in years. … The government listened thanks to an evidence-based approach. 

“It also shows the power of owners working together along with lobbying from agents and trade bodies. Today’s decision was swayed by 6,500 letters sent to MPs.

“Finest Retreats will always support regulations that enforce safety and compliance and we continue to champion professionalism in the sector. 

But MEES would have been regulation for regulation’s sake, 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.”