Landlords and tenants to benefit from Scottish boiler scrappage scheme?
Landlords in Scotland who list property with residential lettings agents could find they are better able to attract tenants if they take advantage of an extension to the country's boiler scrappage scheme.
The Scottish government has announced that it is to add £1.5 million to the scrappage scheme, £500,000 of which will be reserved for private landlords.
Under the scheme, homeowners and landlords can receive a voucher for £400 if they replace an old inefficient boiler with a new, more eco-friendly model recommended by the Energy Saving Trust.
"The boiler scrappage scheme has been a resounding success with over 6,000 households benefiting this year to date. Around a further 2,400 private homes will benefit from this cash injection, together with around an additional 1,200 households via private landlords," said Alex Neil, cabinet secretary for infrastructure and capital investment.
Landlords who take up the offer will be able to improve the energy efficiency of their properties leading to lower bills for tenants.
A new boiler will also reduce the likelihood that the landlord will need to make a claim on their buy-to-let insurance for repairs.
Dr Aaron Sam, who used the scheme to install new boilers at the two properties he rents out in Glasgow, commented: "My residents are delighted, I have one couple in a one-bedroomed flat and they are reporting more than a 50 per cent reduction in their gas bills.
"As well as offering real value for money, the new boilers give me peace of mind and reflect the high standards of rental I offer my tenants."
Although the scheme is only open to those in Scotland, landlords elsewhere in the UK may also want to consider installing new boilers in their properties to help attract tenants, particularly as winter approaches.
From October next year, they may be able to take advantage of the government's Green Deal to help fund energy efficiency improvements such as this.
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