EPCs too hot to handle for landlords

More than a third (35%) of UK landlords are unaware of the energy performance of their properties, according to the latest research from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

More than one in six landlords (17%) believed that their properties fell into the minimum category of energy efficient performance, the F & G Band of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

From 2018 under the Government's Green Deal, the rental of properties performing to this level will be banned through the minimum efficiency standard.

ARLA believes that with the large influx of consumers using the PRS as an alternative to buying, landlords need assistance from the Government to achieve minimum standards.

Along with other bodies ARLA has called for the scope and value of the Landlords Energy Savings Allowance (Lesa) should be extended

Ian Potter, operations manager of ARLA, said: "The clock is ticking for the PRS to improve its environmental performance but the investment just isn't there to ensure that this change takes place in the Government's timeframe.

"ARLA has campaigned for the Government to incentivise - through tax relief - the improvement of rental properties.  Otherwise it is going to be exceedingly difficult for the majority of landlords to find the funds to improve stock."

While Green Deal will offer landlords access to funds many continue to have concerns over tenants reactions to finding that they have an extra payment to make along with their energy consumption.

"The issues of fuel poverty among too many of the UK's households has been raised again as we approach winter," explained Mr Potter. "We urge the Government to ensure that the Green Deal is an effective solution to the crisis we will face unless the energy efficiency standards in the PRS and the UK housing stock in general can be improved."

The survey of more than 1,500 landlords in June 2011 showed that the number of properties in the F & G band remained consistent with the previous quarter.