The majority of tenants are reluctant to ask for more energy efficient systems in their home according to The National Residential Landlords Association.
The NRLA says that as a result, nearly a quarter of tenants are unsure how to take basic measures to save energy in their homes by adjusting their radiators, while one in six do not know where their thermostat is.
The NRLA has launched a new initiative, called Home Bank to encourage tenants and landlords to discuss low cost ways to save energy and stay warm.
Association chief executive Ben Beadle says: “Both landlords and tenants are struggling with the cost of living crisis, so by communicating and working together in practical ways, they can share some benefits from improving energy efficiency and making rental accommodation more comfortable in these coldest months.”
He adds that one of the simplest ways tenants can save energy is to fit correctly adjusted thermal curtains which can cut heat loss by up to 10 per cent.
Other simple and effective ways to save energy are draught-proofing around windows and doors which could save around £60 a year on energy bills and draught-proofing open chimneys when not in use which could save around £90 a year.
Home Bank has created eight tips for simple and quick ways to help keep rented accommodation warmer this winter:
1 Better fitted curtains - Installing window curtains is a simple way to save, but they must be fitted correctly. Adjusting curtains to the correct length and avoiding covering radiators is key.
2 Interlining your curtains - If you don’t have interlined curtains and they are lined you may be able to add a layer of interlining yourself to existing curtains in between the lining and the front fabric.
3 Fit blinds beyond the recess - Fit Roman blinds to the face of the wall overhanging and covering the window opening instead of fitting into the recess - any cold air coming in from the window could be stopped from the overhang of the blind. Opt for a thermal interlined blind if you can.
4 Think cosier underfoot - Hard surfaces mean more heat is lost through the floor. Carpet remnants can be easily adapted into rugs for a cosier home and making it cosier underfoot.
5 Cover external doors - Adding draught excluder tape to the inside of the door frame and putting up an over-door curtain can make a huge difference. Using a simple pole and clip system could be the quickest and easiest way to install this for a medium weight fabric.
6 Mind your gaps - Draught excluders to go at the base of internal doors are quick and easy to make with remnant fabrics or by upcycling old clothing or throws. Be sure to make them slightly bigger than the doorway so that they fit snugly.
7 Make space for your radiators - Try to avoid placing furniture like chairs and sofas in front of radiators - it might be a great opportunity to have a rejig of the layout of your room too if you can.
8 Cosy up with cushions and covers made from natural fabrics - Adding cushions to sofas and chairs can provide some additional warmth. Opt for a natural fabric like wool - not only do they look attractive, they are warmer to the touch and so warm quickly.
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Never had a residential or commercial tenant ask even once about this epc garbage , most don’t even know it exists and when they do find out don’t give a monkeys 🙈
In the current climate prospective tenants will be lucky to rent anything !! Bad times ahead 😰
Can’t afford to make my own home improvements to make it warmer let alone someone else’s home. Maintenance yes but that about covers it since most of the money incoming is taxed too much.
Never been asked about it, ever! Luckily all my D's and E's have been cavity filled and extra roof insulation fitted earlier this year so I've pointed it out to new tenants. Just blank looks "yeah whatever ... "
What's the epc rating of a cardboard box or a tent?
Given the increasing demand for a shrinking supply of rental properties, many will need to consider these alternatives, courtesy of various governments and "housing charities!"
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