35% of UK landlords are unaware of the energy performance of their properties, according to latest research from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).
It found that 17% of landlords believed that their properties fell into the minimum category of energy efficient performance, the F & G Band of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
From 2018 under the Government’s Green Deal, the rental of properties performing to this level will be banned through the minimum efficiency standard.
ARLA argues that with the large increase in consumers using the private rental sector as an alternative to buying, landlords need assistance from the government to achieve minimum standards.
The survey of more than 1,500 landlords in June 2011 showed that the number of properties in the F & G band remained consistent with the previous quarter.
Along with other bodies ARLA has called for the scope and value of the Landlords Energy Savings Allowance (LESA) should be extended
Ian Potter, operations manager of ARLA, said: “The clock is ticking for the PRS to improve its environmental performance but the investment just isn’t there to ensure that this change takes place in the government’s timeframe.
