Renters across the UK are missing out on savings of over £990 million because their rental properties are lacking basic energy saving measures such as insulation, according to new E.ON research carried out with 10,000 UK households.
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Indicating a significant difference in their views on energy savings, only two in 10 renters have made any attempt to make their home more energy fit compared with over three-quarters of homeowners who have made some energy efficiency improvements to their property.
The confusion around responsibility between landlords and tenants for energy efficiency improvements means that tenants are missing out on estimated average savings of almost £400 a year per household through methods such as the installation of double-glazing, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.
Revealing a prudent approach, men were almost twice as likely than women to make energy efficient changes once they found out about the vital savings available.
With over three million private rented properties across the UK, and with rising house prices leading to people renting for longer, E.ON is calling on landlords to make their rental properties ‘energy fit’ to reduce energy bills for their tenants in the short term and add value to their properties in the long term.
Richard Lambert, Chief Executive Officer at the National Landlords Association (NLA), said: “It’s important that tenants and landlords both realise that there are ways of improving the energy efficiency of properties. The NLA encourages landlords to take advantage of the government’s Green Deal, available later this year, which will enable landlords to make significant energy improvements to their properties with no upfront cost.”
David Bird, Customer Operations Director at E.ON, added: “What’s clear is that there’s some confusion surrounding energy efficiency and who the responsibility should lay with in terms of making rental property energy fit.
“We’d urge both renters and landlords to think seriously about making some improvements to their properties. In some cases, renters can be eligible for free cavity wall and loft insulation, and costs for installation can often be much cheaper than you’d think, so always speak to your energy provider first to make sure you’re aware of all the offers available.”
E.ON’s top tips for landlords:
1. Make sure the property is fully insulated
If your property isn't fully insulated, consider investing in cavity wall insulation and make sure that loft insulation is at the recommended level of 250mm. Remember if your tenant is on qualifying benefits or is aged 70 or over, they are able to get free cavity wall and/or loft insulation.
2. Keep in touch
Be proactive, don’t forget to contact your tenants and request the opportunity to inspect the property. Many tenants may leave contacting you about an ill-fitting window or cracked tile until there’s a cold draught blowing in or a damp patch on the ceiling.
3. Contact your property’s energy provider
Your property's energy suppler will be able to tell you about any additional services they can offer you.
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