The research, conducted among UK landlords, shows that half of landlords hadn’t heard of the Government’s flagship Green Deal energy policy. More than a third don’t know the energy rating of their rental property, despite the fact that any property to let must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
More than one in ten landlords say some or all properties in their portfolio fall into the bottom EPC categories, with an F or G rating.
Ian Potter, Operations Manager at ARLA, said:
“Our research suggests that landlords aren’t as clued up as they should be on the energy performance of their properties, and they are therefore not helping tenants to reduce both their energy consumption and energy costs.
At a time when energy prices are rising and average household disposable income is reportedly at a four-year low, making a rental property more energy efficient could mean a big difference for tenants, and help a property stand out.
Moreover, the Government is proposing a ‘minimum standard’ of energy efficiency in privately rented homes from April 2018 – likely to be set at an E rating. This means there really is a need to get on board with improving the energy performance of rental stock.”
Alan Ward, Chair of the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), said:
“Under the government’s current plans landlords are not involved in Green Deal finance. We are pushing for direct access to Green Deal and the increase of LESA to £14,000 which will be of more benefit to those tenants in energy poverty among properties with low EPC ratings.”
LESA (The Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance LESA) enables landlords to claim a tax allowance of up to £1,500 each tax year for certain energy saving measures, including loft insulation and draught proofing.
Mr Potter continued:
“We support the RLA’s calls around both the Green Deal and LESA, and in addition, would urge in for LESA to be extended beyond its current end date of April 2015.”
