Members of the House of Lords and MP’s have called for private rented sector tenants to be given better information on energy efficiency and utility bill charges, before signing a tenancy agreement.
In addition, information on their right to change energy suppliers should also be provided, according to these peers.
Complex
The All Party Parliamentary Group for the private rented sector feel that schemes intended to improve energy efficiency of rental accommodation are too complex. As a result, the Group claims a large number of properties will be unlikely to meet energy efficiency standards required by 2018.
From April 2018, all privately rented homes will be legally required to have a minimum energy performance rating of E on its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). These changes are causing concern, as they are likely to bring about significant challenges to landlords, with privately rented homes generally being older and harder to maintain.
A report from the Group concludes that landlords, energy companies and local authorities must work harder to identify vulnerable tenants who will benefit most from energy efficiency alterations.
More information on energy efficiency needed, MP’s claim
Solving the problem
To solve these issues, the Group is calling for further incentives to be offered to landlords for them to carry out improvements through being able to offset their fees against rental yields.
Additionally, the report from the Group says tenants should be given more transparent information on the likely cost of their bills before a tenancy begins. Energy companies have also been told to look at bringing in lower-rate tariffs aimed at less-wealthy consumers.
Group chair, Conservative MP Oliver Colvile, said, ‘the Government has set ambitious targets for improvements to the energy efficiency of private rented housing and rightly so. To meet these it is clear that much clearer information is needed for both landlords and tenants to understand their rights and responsibilities and the help available to improve the energy efficiency of the rental housing stock.’[1]
‘Tenants especially need much clearer information on their rights to change energy suppliers whilst energy companies, local authorities and landlords need to do more together to identify vulnerable tenants in need of most help to keep the cost of their Bills down,’ he concluded.[1]
[1] https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2016/2/mps-want-more-energy-info-given-to-renters-before-tenancies-are-signed