Posts with tag: energy efficiency improvements

Landlords, Improve Your Property Using this Boiler Comparison Tool

Published On: September 16, 2016 at 10:55 am

Tags: boilers,energy efficiency,energy efficiency improvements,new boiler

Eco-friendly ways to reduce running costs and add value to a property

It’s well known that old boilers can become temperamental and unreliable. If you’re looking to make improvements to your rental property, use this boiler comparison tool to make the decision easier…

Landlords, Improve Your Property Using this Boiler Comparison Tool

Boiler Guide has created a resource for landlords and homeowners alike, which will help you find and compare boiler models from top manufacturers in the UK.

The boiler comparison tool includes prices, energy efficiency ratings and size options, amongst other specifications, to help you find the right boiler for your property.

Worcester Bosch, Ideal and Vaillant are just some of the manufacturers included in the Boiler Guide tool, and users can compare up to four models at a time.

The boiler models have been reviewed by both consumers and engineers, giving an all-round view and comprehensive insight into each product.

To compare up to four boilers, either gas or oil, from 13 manufacturers, use the boiler comparison tool here: https://www.boilerguide.co.uk/boiler-comparison

Landlords, you must be particularly vigilant when it comes to choosing your next boiler, ahead of new energy efficiency regulations.

From April 2018, it will become illegal for landlords to let properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G – the lowest ratings.

Any landlords that rent out properties with these two ratings must make improvements to bring the home up to a rating of at least E.

The Government insists that most landlords will not have to spend more than £1,800 to improve their properties’ energy efficiency. However, one established investor believes that landlords should receive support to help them fund the improvements.

In addition, the Residential Landlords Association worries that the new rules will become a “tax on tenants”, as landlords may be forced to put their rents up as a result of the extra costs.

It also warns that since a third of rental properties in the UK were built before 1919, they are some of the hardest homes to treat for energy efficiency improvements.

Remember to shop around using Boiler Guide’s comparison tool before you buy a new boiler to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible!

How a New Boiler Could Save You Getting Hit by Green Tax Charges

Published On: September 1, 2016 at 9:21 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Landlord News

Tags: boilers,energy efficiency,energy efficiency improvements,energy performance certificates,green tax

Landlords may soon have to consider getting a new boiler for their properties as part of a Government drive to improve efficiency in older houses.

Changes in the so-called green tax measures mean more than 330,000 buy-to-let landlords may have to fork out up to £5,000 from spring 2018 to ensure their properties satisfy the new rules.

This is because, from April 2018, home improvement loans will no longer be available to landlords to make their houses more energy efficient.

How a New Boiler Could Save You Getting Hit by Green Tax Charges

The green tax

Part of the UK Government’s plans to improve the energy efficiency of the country and reduce its overall environmental impact, the green tax is actually a series of country-wide measures aimed at encouraging householders as a whole to make their homes more energy efficient.

Part of the scheme has involved providing loans to landlords through the Green Deal project, where improvements were paid for by tenants, who would get the benefit of the resulting lower energy bills.

The Green Deal scheme also encouraged ordinary homeowners to take out loans to improve their own property’s efficiency through insulating their loft, installing cavity wall insulation or boiler replacement. These, and other measures, were aimed at saving homeowners money on their energy bills, as well as helping improve the country’s environmental credibility.

Forthcoming changes to the scheme, implemented by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, mean landlords will effectively have to foot the bill for a new boiler themselves. It is estimated that more than 300,000 landlords will be affected by the changes.

How efficient?

Under the new rules, landlords will have to ensure their water heating systems are at least a band E on the energy rating scale. As many older Victorian and Edwardian houses only currently achieve ratings of bands F and G, landlords will have to fit a new boiler – improving its energy rating – in order to meet the requirements.

The Government is proposing to place a cap of £5,000 on improvements by landlords and insists most will not have to pay much more than £1,800 to install a more efficient boiler.

However, it does mean landlords will have to pay for improvements themselves and will face penalties if their properties do not conform to the revised energy standards. Experts are warning the moves could result in higher rents for tenants, as landlords seek to pass the cost of improvements on, as well as a reduction in the number of people becoming buy-to-let investors in the first place.

Given these changes, landlords are being advised to make improvements to the energy efficiency of their properties as soon as they can. If your properties are falling behind in the energy efficiency stakes, maybe a boiler replacement is on the cards sooner rather than later.

This article was written by Aura Gas, leading installers of new boilers in Hampshire and the surrounding areas.

Third of Private Tenants Paying for Energy Efficiency Improvements

Published On: August 30, 2016 at 1:30 pm

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Property News

Tags: energy efficiency,energy efficiency improvements,energy performance certificates,landlord law,rental property,tenants

A new report from online letting agent PropertyLetByUs.com claims that a third of private tenants are paying for energy efficiency improvements to their rental properties.

As of 1^st April, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse consent for tenants to make energy efficiency improvements to their properties. However, the work’s funding is still the tenant’s responsibility.

In addition to this law, landlords will be legally obliged to bring their properties up to a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E by 2018.

Third of Private Tenants Paying for Energy Efficiency Improvements

However, PropertyLetByUs has found that already, one in six private tenants have paid for roof insulation, 7% have paid for double-glazing, and 92% have funded draft excluders for windows and doors. Worryingly, a further 71% have paid for their boiler to be repaired.

The research found that a huge 88% of private tenants want their landlord to install a more fuel efficient boiler, while 78% want their draughty front door replaced, 72% want more loft insulation and 48% want double-glazed windows installed.

Under the legislation that came into force on 1^st April this year, if a tenant requests energy efficiency improvements and the landlord does not give consent, the landlord could be issued a fine.

Homes with EPC ratings of F and G will be progressively banned from the property market, starting with private rental housing. It will become a legal requirement for private rental properties to have an EPC rating of E or above from 2018 in England and Wales. The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) estimates that a total of 330,000 rental homes are likely to be affected.

Although the Government claims that landlords will have to spend between £1,800-£5,000 to bring their properties up to an E rating, PropertyLetByUs is concerned that tenants may be forced to fund the improvements.

The Managing Director of PropertyLetByUs, Jane Morris, says: “Our research shows that it is falling on tenants to pay for energy improvements to their rented properties, which is simply unacceptable. Many tenants are finding that their landlords are refusing to make improvements to the property, leaving tenants no choice but to dip into their own pockets.

“Tenants should not have to pay for roof insulation and repairs to old boilers, when it is the landlord’s responsibility. The Government has recently given guidelines on the costs with a typical package of measures for a small semi. Gas central heating and low energy lighting is estimated at £4,000, loft insulation at £300 and cavity wall insulation at about £500. The Government will need to put measures in place to ensure that landlords are compliant, or the financial burden on tenants could be even greater.”

Morris adds: “Landlords should comply with the current legislation that requires them to make energy efficiency improvements and they also should start improving their properties if they have an EPC rating of F or G, so they are brought up to the required standard by 2018.”

Landlords, remember that you must not unreasonably deny your tenants permission to make energy efficiency improvements, but you should start thinking about the changes you might need to make to your property ahead of the law change in 2018.

Government Should be Helping Landlords with Energy Efficiency, Says Investor

Published On: August 9, 2016 at 8:31 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Landlord News

Tags: energy efficiency,energy efficiency improvements,Energy Performance Certificate,rental property,tenants

The Government should be providing buy-to-let landlords with energy efficiency support, warns established investor Peter Armistead, of Armistead Property.

Government Should be Helping Landlords with Energy Efficiency, Says Investor

New Government plans will require buy-to-let landlords to spend up to £5,000 on energy efficiency improvements.

The new legislation, which will be introduced from 2018, requires landlords to raise the energy efficiency of their rental properties to at least an E rating for new tenancies. Many landlords will be forced to carry out improvements, such as insulation, cavity wall filling and new boilers.

The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) believes that a total of 330,000 rental properties, typically Victorian and Edwardian homes, will be affected by the new legislation. It also warns that the new “green tax” could push rents even higher.

However, the Government has suggested a £5,000 cap, insisting that most landlords will have to spend no more than £1,800.

But Peter Armistead has urged the Government to provide alternative support to landlords, now that the Green Deal has ended.

“Landlords have been bombarded with new tax measures over the last 12 months, and this is yet another cost that some landlords will have to face. Landlords can’t be expected to absorb all these new taxation measures and just stand back and watch their profits being eroded. Unfortunately, it will be tenants that will have to bear the brunt of these costs through higher rents.”

He continues: “While it is a good move to improve the quality of rented accommodation, there should be another scheme to help landlords make the improvements. The Green Deal gave loans to improve energy efficiency, and these loans were then repaid by tenants, who, as a result of the works, were paying lower bills.

“To help spread the improvement costs, landlords should start upgrading their properties before it becomes mandatory in 2018 for new tenants. Buy-to-let mortgage providers will require borrowers to comply with the regulations, and valuers are likely to amend their criteria in the run-up to 2018, making buy-to-let mortgage applications more difficult.”

Armistead adds: “Most insurance policies require landlords to comply with all relevant statutory requirements. This may mean that it could be more difficult to get insurance unless landlords comply with the forthcoming regulations. Landlords with F and G-rated properties need to manage the upgrading and improving their properties to avoid potential prosecution and fines.”

Landlords, have you started thinking about any energy efficiency improvements your rental property needs?

Landlords Refusing Energy Efficiency Improvements

Published On: July 29, 2016 at 9:08 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Landlord News

Tags: energy efficiency,energy efficiency improvements,rental properties,tenants

A new report has found that 58% of tenants that have requested energy efficiency improvements from their landlords have been refused, while over half of renters say their home is cold and draughty.

Landlords Refusing Energy Efficiency Improvements

The study, conducted by PropertyLetByUs.com – an online letting agent – also found that seven out of ten tenants have made requests to their landlord to make improvements to the property. A further 76% of renters claim their property has an old gas boiler that is unreliable and 48% do not have double-glazing.

From 1^st April 2016, tenants have been able to request energy efficiency improvements, such as more insulation, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. However, it is a tenant’s responsibility to fund the works.

Additionally, from 1^st April 2018, all rental properties must have an energy efficiency rating of E or above.

It is estimated that more than 10m British families live in a home with a leaking roof, damp walls or rotting windows. Damp, condensation and mould are all big problems in rental properties, as a result of older, single-glazed homes.

This guide to condensation control will help both landlords and tenants avoid costly and potentially unhealthy issues: /landlords-guide-condensation-control/

The Managing Director of PropertyLetByUs.com, Jane Morris, comments: “It is very disappointing to see that so many tenants have been refused when they have requested their landlords make improvements to the property. Landlords that are trying to rent cold, draughty and damp accommodation should immediately start improving their properties. Otherwise, they could be falling foul of the legislation that requires them to bring their properties up to an E rating.

“It is estimated that around 1m tenants are paying as much as £1,000 a year more for heating than the average annual bill of £1,265. These excessive costs are mainly down to poorly insulated homes, many of which are thought to be the oldest and leakiest rental properties in Europe.”

Morris adds: “Landlords that are currently renting out F and G-rated properties should be looking at the improvements they can make, and researching costs and available help, through the Energy Saving Advice Service (ESAS) or Home Energy Scotland.”

Landlords, remember that you must ensure your properties are safe, efficient and secure. It is also your duty to protect your tenants and make sure their home is comfortable.

Tenants can Request Energy Efficiency Improvements from Friday

Published On: March 28, 2016 at 8:28 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Landlord News

Tags: energy efficiency,energy efficiency improvements,EPC rating,landlord law

As of Friday, 1^st April, private tenants will be able to request consent from their landlords to conduct energy efficiency improvements on their rental properties.

The landlord will not be able to unreasonably refuse consent. However, it is the responsibility of the tenant to ensure that the works are funded and that there are no upfront costs to the landlord, unless the landlord agrees to contribute.

This is a separate regulation to the new energy performance rules, which will require all private rental properties to be brought up to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least an E from 1^st April 2018.

Tenants can Request Energy Efficiency Improvements from Friday

Tenants in the private rental sector can make the requests in England and Wales from Friday. Properties covered by the regulations include those let under an assured tenancy, or a tenancy or shorthold that is a regulated tenancy for the purpose of the Rent Act 1977.

Regardless of whether the property has an EPC rating at the time of the tenant’s request, the tenant still has the right to make a bid. However, if a building is not within the scope of the EPC regulations, a landlord does not have to provide consent for the improvements.

The works covered by the regulations are any energy efficiency improvements that qualify for the Green Deal and the installation of a gas supply where the mains are within 23 metres of the property.

The tenant’s request is for a landlord to give consent to the carrying out of specified works. This includes not just the immediate landlord, but also the superior landlord or freeholder in leasehold properties. Consent must not be unreasonably refused by any of them.

Consent is required not just for permission under the terms of a tenancy agreement, but also for work outside the boundaries of the property, such as in a block of flats.

From 1^st April, a tenant will be able to request consent to install energy efficiency measures at their property, as long as the measure is one of those listed in the Schedule of the Green Deal (Qualifying Energy Improvements) Order 2012, or is to connect the property to the gas network. The tenant must also have a way of funding the measure at no cost to the landlord, such as through Green Deal finance, Government grants or incentives, ECO, other grant funding, or paying for the measures themselves.

An EPC, surveyors report or Green Deal Advice Report (GDAR) is not required under these regulations, but may be required if the tenant wishes to make use of Government funding or ECO.

If a tenant does not provide an EPC, surveyors report or GDAR, the landlord will have grounds for refusing consent if they have advice that the measure is not suitable for the property.

For a request to be valid, a tenant must specify and provide details of the energy efficiency measures that they wish to install, and provide written evidence to the landlord of either a Green Deal Finance Plan, or evidence of quotes for the improvements from an authorised Green Deal installer, or installer who meets relevant installer standards.

Landlords are able to propose a counter offer, where the energy efficiency improvements would provide the same or mostly the same savings on energy bills as was specified in the tenant’s request. Additionally, the counter proposal must not include work that would result in an initial or continuing cost to the tenant that exceeds the cost of all the relevant energy efficiency improvements specified in the request.

Be aware that from Friday, you will be required to grant consent for tenants to have these improvement works completed.