Responsibilities of Landlords to Ensure Energy Efficiency

About Icynene

In the UK, landlords must carry out legal responsibilities to be granted permission to rent their property. The UK government have set out clear regulations for energy efficiency to improve living conditions, reduce costs and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. By law, there is a minimum level of energy efficiency that a landlord must stick to.

 

Legal Obligations

The regulations outline that as of 01 April 2018, landlords cannot move tenants into their property if it has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of F or G. Landlords can improve their properties EPC rating by choosing eco-friendly, long term insulation solutions, such as Icynene® spray foam.

 

The Benefits of Energy Efficiency

Maintaining an energy efficient property has indisputable benefits for landlords. A higher EPC rating makes properties on the market more attractive to tenants. Making sure a property has correct heating and ventilation can also cut down on long-term property maintenance costs. Installing foam insulation is a way to significantly reduce the landlord’s maintenance expenses. Icynene® spray foam minimises excess moisture and protects against mould and damp that can cause expensive damage to properties.

A 2016 report by Sustainable Homes further reinforces the importance of insulated, energy efficient homes. The report states that cold homes have increased rent arrears year on year than energy efficient homes. Home insulation is the most economical choice when it comes to reducing energy bills. Icynene® spray foam insulation creates a barrier that air seals home, preventing draughts and reducing heating costs for tenants.

If you’re a landlord looking to reduce the amount spent on energy bills, discover where you lose the most heat in your home.

 

Impact on Tenants

Properties with a low energy efficiency rating (EPC of F and G) can not only be expensive for tenants but can also be harmful to their health. Improving energy efficiency with foam insulation has many benefits:

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• Lowers the chance of damp and mould growth, thus minimising the risk to health
• Managing energy costs for tenants.

Data based on the average annual cost of energy in the UK shows that if landlords improved the energy efficiency of a domestic property from EPC band F to EPC band E, tenants could save up to £700 annually.

Landlords are responsible for ensuring tenants homes are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. If tenants find that is not the case, it is in their interest to raise a complaint. As of 2016, tenants now have the legal right to carry out energy efficiency improvements such as insulation installation.

If you would like to learn more about how to Icynene® spray foam insulation can improve energy efficiency, get in touch with the friendly team at Mass Foam Systems today. You can call 0800 246 5051 or get an instant quote here.

Back to blogs