Landlords overseeing residential properties should consider measures to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, according to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).
As the Scottish Government consults on measures to make residential property more energy and environmentally efficient, ARLA advises private landlords on how to make their properties more energy efficient.
Fiona Docherty, managing director at Ryden Lettings in Edinburgh and ARLA spokesperson for Scotland, said: “A vast majority of properties in Edinburgh are older buildings and often in blocks of flats.
These kinds of properties are often particularly energy inefficient, but a few simple measures can make a big difference – even in blocks of flats, where it can be difficult to alter the building as a whole.
“Depending on the outcome of the Government consultation, there may be minimum standards in the future, so any steps taken now could be time well-spent in the future.”
ARLA has come up with these simple tips to make your properties more efficient, thus saving money and further financial outlays in the future:
– Insulate walls and floors: While in a block of flats you may not have access to the loft, it may still be possible to insulate cavity walls and floor. It can be a disruptive process, but effective insulation will represent a significant step towards improving the energy efficiency of your property.
– Insulate water fittings: ARLA recommends that lagging should be installed around water pipes and hot water storage tanks to minimise heat loss. As many will have experienced this winter, water pipes are also prone to freezing, so insulation should help to prevent this.
– Prevent draughts: Landlords should seek to block draughts in various parts of their properties, through draught-proofing doors and windows or fitting double-glazing, as well as reducing heat loss through floorboards.
– Ensure radiators have thermostatic control: this ensure that when a room reaches its optimum temperature of around 19°C, the will cut out. This reduces heat wastage and reduces heating bills.
– Communicate with tenants: Effective communication between landlords and tenants can ensure that tenants are aware of the importance of energy efficiency, and take their own simple steps to reducing heating costs.
Fiona said: “Landlords can already take advantage of a tax allowance of up to £1,500 for these energy efficiency improvements through the Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance (LESA).
“Regardless of the legislation, it makes sense for landlords to carry out these improvements, as considerable cost savings can be made to both landlord and tenant.”
A nice gesture, but £1500 won’t be enough to cover the extent that most flats need to improve their efficiency. It’s part of the way there, at least I guess.
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