A federation of charities wants landlords and tenants to get in touch to discuss energy efficiency in private rental properties.

‘Groundwork’ is a federation of charities mobilising practical community action on poverty and the environment across the UK.

A statement from Stoke-on-Trent council, aimed at tenants and landlords, says: “Groundwork West Midlands want to talk with you about the EPC of your property. They offer free, impartial advice and support to help you save energy, reduce your bills, and live in a warmer, more comfortable home. 

”They will also contact your landlord and their agent with advice and useful information on what landlords can do to make their rental properties more energy efficient and move them up to an E rating – if they currently have an EPC rating of F or G. 

“We would like to encourage landlords to contact Groundwork West Midlands to seek free advice to improve their property portfolio. For help and advice on how to become compliant please contact Groundwork West Midlands.”

Since April 2020, the government has set Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for all private rented housing.

This means landlords can no longer let or continue to let properties covered by the MEES Regulations if they have an EPC rating below E unless they have a valid exemption. 

The council says its private sector housing team is working with Groundwork West Midlands “to improve the energy efficiency of properties in Stoke on Trent” and a council spokesperson says:  “We recognise that rising energy prices affect us all, so it is important that properties are as efficient as possible so that our residents can live safe and healthy lives in warm homes.“