Landlords ahead of the game on energy efficiency

Rented properties will need Energy Performance Certificates from October next year, but many landlords are ahead of the game and already offer key energy savings measures in the properties they let to tenants, says the National Landlords Association.

This reflects the findings of the last English Housing Survey showing that standards of accommodation in the private rented sector are getting steadily better.

David Salusbury, Chairman of the NLA, said: “The market is full of misconceptions about the standard of homes in the private rented sector. But the NLA and its members have long been committed to improving the quality of rented accommodation. They know that an energy efficient property makes good business sense because it will be more appealing to tenants, will command a premiumrent and also help save the planet. By improving the standard of their properties, landlords are able to improve the quality of life for tenants as well as helping to maintain the fabric of the building and investing in their own futures.”

It will be mandatory to make the Energy Performance Certificate available to prospective tenants as part of the letting process from the 1st of October 2008.

David Salusbury continued, “Many members of the NLA have invested much time and money into making their properties energy efficient. Putting in an efficient boiler, installing double glazing, lagging pipes and laying insulation in the roof are all means of improving energy efficiency and tenants’ lives. Measures such as these can significantly reduce energy bills, which is good news for tenants too.”

The NLA is concerned that private landlords who are not members of a trade organisation may be unaware of the new EPC obligations being introduced in less than a year. Each EPC will last for ten years. It will consist of a colour chart showing the energy performance of the property, similar to the charts already used on white goods, and a list of appropriate improvements which could be made to the property. There will be no legal requirement to make the improvements.

David Salusbury said, “Letting properties professionally is a serious responsibility. With so many legal obligations on the landlord, letting residential property can be a minefield of regulation – and Energy Performance Certificates are yet another consideration. There are a number of grants and other incentives currently available from local authorities and energy companies. With EPCs on the way next year landlords should start looking around now to see what deals might be appropriate for them - it may well give them a market advantage and help attract and retain responsible tenants for longer.

“The NLA provides advice on a wide range of issues affecting the private landlord. This advice is available to NLA members on our website, in our journal UK Landlord, from our advice line, and in our e-newsletter.”