The changing energy efficiency landscape can be confusing and with impending new legislation on the horizon, landlords need to be sure that they don’t get caught out.

At a time when energy prices are at an unprecedented high, making a rental property more energy efficient not only means you will be ready for the new standards, but it also makes sound commercial sense – particularly when there is significant funding available to help with the costs of improvements.

Estimates suggest that on average the difference in a heating bill from the least energy efficient properties and those with an energy rating Band “E” costs a tenant on average £880 a year.

Fuel poor households living in the least efficient privately-rented homes already need to spend on average around £1,000 more to keep warm compared to the average home.

The Energy Act 2011

The Energy Act 2011 outlines a number of conditions which will affect property owners and private tenants. The Act states that there is now a minimum energy standard that your property will be legally obliged to abide by.

As of April 2016, private tenants will have the right to request energy efficiency improvements to your property that you may not be able to refuse. If these requests are ignored, local authorities may be able to fine you and make you undertake the necessary improvements.

From April 2018, the legislative changes will make it illegal for private landlords to let out properties, residential or commercial, which have an EPC Rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’. Find out here.

Benefit to landlords of being energy efficient:

• Your property will comply with new legislative laws
• Makes your properties more desirable to tenants
• Lower energy bills for your tenants – creating more disposable income for tenants and resulting in less chance of rental arrears
• Adds significant value to your property
• Enhances the look of your property
• Increased marketability of your property

Benefit to tenants of being energy efficient:

• You’re likely to save money on your energy bills
• It’s likely to be easier to heat your home and stay warmer for longer
• You’ll be keeping heat in your home, instead of escaping through your walls and roof
• Your home is likely to need less maintenance

How we can help

At Ellipse Energy we can offer private landlords a trouble free start-to-end solution to help you maximise your investment and ensure tenants are living in properties with high energy efficiency standards.

Furthermore, we can help you access funding to help pay for the cost of energy efficiency home improvements.