Why it pays for a landlord to ‘get green’

Published: 03/06/2013

As the weather starts to take a turn for the better it is understandable why energy efficiency is pushed to the back of our minds. However for the conscientious landlord it is never too early to turn your attention to your property’s energy performance.

To a certain degree a landlord’s hand is already being forced; from 2016 a landlord must implement reasonable energy efficiency improvements if requested by the tenant and from April 2018 any property with an F or G banded energy performance certificate (EPC) will be deemed as ‘unlettable’. It is estimated that as many as one in ten properties will fall foul of this new legislation.

Due to this it is in the landlord’s best interests to ensure their property is ecologically and, most importantly, cost effective as soon as possible. In fact by getting ahead of the game could give you an advantage over competitor rentals as GW LET solicitor, Rob Denman explains:

“With rising energy bills tenants are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of choosing an energy efficient property to rent. Fitting out your property with such energy saving improvements as loft and wall insulation and double glazing could help a landlord stand out in this busy market.

“And such changes don’t need to come with a hefty price tag; through the government’s Green Deal property owners can apply for financial help with energy efficiency changes.

“By implementing these changes ahead of the 2016 and 2018 deadlines could also help landlords with a portfolio of properties spread the cost and avoid the inevitable delays as the dates draw closer.”

Content correct at time of publication

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