Landlords show green credentials as NLA encourages funding take-up

According to the National Landlords Association’s latest Landlord Panel*, landlords are proactively working to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.

Just over 50 per cent (51%) of landlords have made energy saving improvements to two of their rental properties and a further 12 per cent of landlords have made improvements to five or more of their properties.

Energy grants, including Warm Front**, the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT)*** and Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP)**** are available until 31^st December 2012. In light of this time restraint, the National Landlords Association urges landlords to utilise this green funding whilst they can.

The current energy saving schemes will be replaced with new government initiatives; the Green Deal and ECO, which are due to launch in October 2012.

David Salusbury, Chairman of the National Landlords Association, says:

“The private-rented sector has a key role to play in ensuring Britain meets its energy targets and so it is important that we make use of the funding available. Furthermore, it is imperative that landlords future-proof their properties and their investments. If landlords don’t act now, they may find their property cannot be legally let come 2018 under the new legislation.

“With money left in the pot for the existing schemes, it’s important that landlords and tenants alike take advantage of the funding whilst it’s still available. It’s free for landlords and saves tenants money on their energy bills.”

Green landlord, Marion Money, says:

“I have made energy improvements to seven of my properties using Warm Front grants for central heating systems and insulation together with loft insulation and draught proofing measures using the CERT funding.

“I am quite passionate about energy efficiency – it benefits my tenants as they receive added value and cheaper energy bills. In fact, one of my elderly tenants was really delighted by the increased warmth and comfort provided by the central heating and insulation installation.  And it’s not just my tenants who benefit – I am protecting my investment for the future. I would definitely advise other landlords to do the same.”