Green light for landlords to switch on to Green Deal

Landlords can finally plug in to the Green Deal for funding energy-saving improvements to upgrade heating and insulation in private rented properties. The long-awaited scheme starts for landlords on January 28, 2013. Under the scheme, whoever pays the electricity bill is responsible for paying for the improvements. So, tenants pay while the property is occupied, while landlords continue the payment during voids. For landlords who want to take advantage of the deal, here is a list of improvements on offer and how to go about arranging the work: • Loft insulation • Renewable energy – like solar panels for heating or hot water • Replacement windows • Draught proofing • Boiler upgrades • Wall insulation Typically, the maximum Green Deal spend per home is £10,000 – with the grant funded by cheaper energy bills. However, only cost-effective improvements will be carried out, so landlords cannot refurbish a home from the Green Deal if the energy savings are not justified by lower electricity bills. Tenants cannot give the go-ahead to works without the landlord’s permission – and landlords need the tenant’s permission to make the improvements as well. New tenants are entitled to see details of any Green Deal improvements as part of the property’s Energy performance Certificate (EPC). The first step is arranging a Green Deal assessment with an approved supplier – these include tradesmen, DIY stores and energy companies. From 2016, landlords cannot refuse reasonable Green Deal requests from tenants, while from 2018, the government will ban landlords from letting out homes that fail to meet a minimum energy efficiency standards. Energy Secretary Edward Davey said: “The Green Deal will provide unprecedented choice for consumers wanting to improve their homes and make them more energy efficient.” Search for Green Deal providers and installers online at the official registration GreenDealOrb web site.

Landlord blog

Sam Dickinson

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