Successive energy price cap rises, the latest of which comes into effect on 1st January 2025, have brought how much we pay for fuel into the spotlight. A new research document released by Rightmove highlighted how many of us are prepared to change how and when we use energy if it means cheaper bills.
The results were conclusive - 76% of renters and 70% of homeowners questioned said they would change their gas and electricity consumption habits if their bills decreased as a result. The portal put the higher number of renters who were receptive to change down to the fact they are less able to make energy-efficient adaptations to their homes.
Or are they? A review of a Government document entitled ‘Private Rented Sector Tenants’ Energy Efficiency Improvements Provisions’ details that:
‘private rented sector tenants can request consent from their landlord to install energy efficiency improvements in the property they rent, and the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse consent.’
These rights came into effect in April 2016 but are little used. Why? Even if a landlord consents to install energy efficiency improvements, such as solar panels, cavity wall insulation or an air source heat pump, they are not obliged to pay a penny towards the project. Instead, the financial burden falls on the tenant who made the request.
Of course, many tenants don’t want to invest thousands of pounds on improving the energy efficiency of a property they don’t own – especially as the savings can take years to recoup. Renters do already benefit from a minimum energy standard in the form of an EPC. All privately rented homes must have an E rating, making them more energy efficient than properties rated F and G.
The Government wants to take energy efficiency in the private rental sector a step further and it has recently announced all rental stock will have to have a minimum rating of C by 2030.
The new energy benchmark is some way off but there are a number of steps tenants can take to reduce their energy consumption and their monthly bills. These can be divided into two camps: simple swaps that don’t need approval and small alterations that will need a landlords’ permission:
Simple swaps
Permission required
Most landlords will be receptive to the above energy efficiency changes but they are not obliged to pay for the improvements and they may specify a trusted trade to carry out the work.
If you live in a rented property and would like to approach your landlord about energy efficiency improvements, please get in touch.
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