Third of landlords unaware of properties' energy performance rating
Those with properties listed with residential lettings agents could find it easier to attract tenants by improving energy efficiency.
However, a new study has found that many with UK property investment portfolios are not even aware of how energy-efficient their properties are.
A survey by the Association of Residential Letting Agents (Arla) found that more than a third (35 per cent) of UK landlords are unaware of the energy performance of their properties.
Meanwhile, more than one in six landlords (17 per cent) said they believed that their properties fell into the minimum category of energy efficient performance, the F & G band of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Arla warned that from 2018 the rental of properties performing to this level will be banned through the minimum efficiency standard and, with the private rented sector becoming an increasingly important part of the housing system, it wants to see the government to do more to assist landlords in meeting this requirement.
Ian Potter, operations manager at Arla, said: "The clock is ticking for the private rented sector to improve its environmental performance but the investment just isn't there to ensure that this change takes place in the government's timeframe.
"ARLA has campaigned for the government to incentivise - through tax relief - the improvement of rental properties. Otherwise it is going to be exceedingly difficult for the majority of landlords to find the funds to improve stock."
Although the government's Green Deal scheme will give landlords access to loans to improve energy efficiency, the loan will be repaid through extra charges to utility bills and many fear that tenants will be unhappy at having to pay this.
"We urge the government to ensure that the Green Deal is an effective solution to the crisis we will face unless the energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector and the UK housing stock in general can be improved," added Mr Potter.
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