A third of tenants are paying for energy efficiency improvements

Around a third of tenants that were surveyed claim that they are being forced to pay for energy efficiency improvements in their rental home because their landlord has refused requests to make energy efficiency improvements. 

The research, conducted by online letting agent PropertyLetByUs.com, found that that one in six tenants have paid for roof insulation, 7% have paid for double glazing and 92% have paid for draft excluders for windows and doors. A further 71% have paid for their boiler to be repaired.

From 1 April 2016, tenants living in F and G rated homes have been able to request improvements, such as more insulation and landlords are legally bound to bring the property up to the minimum of EPC [Energy Performance Certificate] E rating. Under the new legislation, if a tenant requests a more efficient home and the landlord fails to comply, the landlord could ultimately be forced to pay a penalty notice.

The study also shows that 88% of tenants want their landlord to install a more fuel efficient boiler, while 78% want their draughty front door replaced, 72% want greater loft insulation and 48% want double glazed windows fitted.

Jane Morris, managing director of PropertyLetByUs.com, said: “Our research shows that it is falling on tenants to pay for energy improvements to their rented property which is simply unacceptable. Many tenants are finding that their landlords are refusing to make improvements to the property, leaving tenants no choice but to dip into their own pockets.

“Tenants should not have to pay for roof insulation and repairs to old boilers, when it is the landlord’s responsibility. The government has recently given guidelines on the costs with a typical package of measures for a small semi.  Gas central heating and low energy lighting is estimated at £4,000, loft insulation at £300 and cavity wall insulation at about £500. The government will need to put measures in place to ensure that landlords are compliant – or the financial burden on tenants could be even greater.

“Landlords should comply with the current legislation that requires them to make energy efficiency improvements and they also should start improving their properties, if they have an EPC rating of F or G, so they are brought up to the required standard by 2018.”

Want to comment on this story? Our focus is on providing a platform for you to share your insights and views and we welcome contributions.
If any post is considered to victimise, harass, degrade or intimidate an individual or group of individuals, then the post may be deleted and the individual immediately banned from posting in future.
Please help us by reporting comments you consider to be unduly offensive so we can review and take action if necessary. Thank you.