The National Residential Landlords Association has launched an initiative called Home Bank to encourage tenants and landlords to help one another save energy this winter.

NRLA research shows that only 22 per cent of tenants have made a request for their landlord to make energy efficiency improvements to their property. However, 41 per cent of tenants who took this course of action reported that their landlords had responded positively to their request.

Similarly, just one in five tenants turn to their landlords or letting agents for advice on cutting bills. Instead tenants are more likely to turn to internet searches (44 per cent) or friends and family (39 per cent) for energy saving tips than their landlords. 

As a result, the NRLA claims nearly a quarter of tenants are unsure how to make basic savings by adjusting their radiators, and one in six do not know where their thermostat is.

The Home Bank – set up in conjunction with Birmingham council – aims to change that.

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle says: “Both landlords and tenants are struggling with the cost of living crisis, and greater coordination is needed between both groups to help improve energy efficiency in private rental accommodation this winter.

“We’re launching the Home Bank to raise awareness that by working together, landlords and their tenants can significantly increase the energy efficiency of properties and support each other through this winter.”

Councillor Sharon Thompson, housing lead on Birmingham council, adds: ”Giving the cost of living crisis any help and support which is available to tenants and landlords in the form of home improvements is welcome. So I hope this stall will act as a real one stop shop for tenants and landlords to find out about what is available.”

One of the simplest ways that tenants can save energy is to fit correctly adjusted and thermal curtains which can cut heat loss by up to 10 per cent. 

Amongst those surveyed by the NRLA, installing curtains (43 per cent), came ahead of swapping incandescent lamps for LED lights (41 per cent) and covering hard floors with rugs (37 per cent) as routes to make their home more energy efficient. 

The association says other simple and effective ways to save energy in the home are draught-proofing around windows and doors which could save around £60 a year on energy bills and draught-proofing open chimneys when not in use which could save around £90 a year.