Contributed Article
Home Energy Scotland is inviting private sector landlords across South East Scotland to an information evening in Edinburgh, Thursday 27 February 2014, to learn what energy efficiency can do for them and their tenants, and what grants, loans and government schemes are available to help.
The event will take place 6-8pm at the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, Old High School, Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ.
Some Edinburgh landlords recommend Home Energy Scotland, as they have all benefitted from the Landlord Green Appliance Scheme as a result of the information Home Energy Scotland provided.
Landlord Green Appliance Scheme provides grants of up to £500 for landlords who want to replace old, inefficient kitchen appliances with new energy efficient ones.
Landlords Daphne and John also took advantage of the Green Homes Cashback Scheme, which offers private sector landlords, amongst others, up to £1,200 towards energy efficiency measures, including up to £500 for insulation, up to £400 for a boiler and up to £300 for other measures such as glazing, LED lighting and heating controls.
Daphne said:- “Getting my property assessed by Home Energy Scotland helped me to decide what measures I wanted to implement. Everyone has been very willing to help and good advice was given.”
Speakers at the information evening will include Tristan Compton of the National Landlords Association. Tristan, the Local Representative for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, says,
“As a landlord of 10 years, with residential lets in different sectors and property types, I have first-hand experience of installing energy efficient measures. It makes good financial sense to make the most of the advice and money on offer.”
Kenneth Fraser, Technical Advisor – Private Sector Landlords, Home Energy Scotland, agrees adding:-“Having a higher energy performance certificate can increase the value of your property as well as reducing your tenants’ energy bills. Warmer, more affordable accommodation can mean tenants are more likely to stay and less likely to fall into rent arrears.”
Home Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Energy Saving Trust. They offer free and impartial advice to householders as well as landlords through their helpline, 0808 808 2282 and website, http://www.homeenergyscotland.org
Services to landlords include one-to-one visits to rental properties to produce a detailed report on energy efficiency and grant availability.
For further information or to register for the information evening, you can book through Eventbrite, or contact Kenneth Fraser, Home Energy Scotland. Tel 0131 555 7866. Email kenneth.fraser@se.homeenergyscotland.org
Submitted by Heather Walker
