There are no rental obligations for landlords linked to Government support for energy efficiency improvements, the Housing Minister has confirmed.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has responded to a written parliamentary question about  whether there are obligations on landlords in relation to the rent they charge if their property has been improved with a grant under the Energy Company Obligation, Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Warm Homes: Local Grant.

It raises an interesting issue as tenants may query if landlords should reduce rents if they have had state help with energy improvements.

Pennycook said: “Energy Company Obligation schemes do not place obligations on landlords in relation to the rent they charge if their property has been improved.

“Currently, private landlords in England and Wales are eligible to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with regulations setting out the full eligibility criteria. These do not place any requirements in relation to rent.

“Warm Homes: local grant requires landlords to declare that they will not raise rents as a direct result of the upgrades being installed funded by government grants. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is monitoring the impact of this scheme including on rents and may make changes if needed.”