British Gas urges government action on EPC upgrades for landlords

British Gas is calling on the government to provide more green grants to landlords.

The energy supplier says one of the main barriers for landlords upgrading their properties comes from a lack of knowledge about EPC standards and the availability of grants.

The supplier lists a number of recommendations which they say aim to help landlords increase energy efficiency and help renters with warmer homes and lower bills.

The government announced earlier this year that EPC targets would be scrapped for landlords.

Only a minority of landlords are willing to make energy efficiency improvements

A study by British Gas reveals landlords admit they do not know their rental properties EPC rating and over half (52%) stated that they do not know enough about the grants available to them.

According to the survey, 81% of landlords believe that additional measures are required to make their rental homes more environmentally friendly, but only 23% are willing to make energy efficiency improvements to their properties.

There are mixed opinions on whether the tenant has any responsibility for organising and overseeing installation with 28% believing upgrade costs should be shared between landlords and the government.

However, the majority of landlords in the survey are unconvinced that environmental improvements will bring about an increase in property or rental value.

More than half (54%) of landlords think environmental improvements tend not to be worth the costs.

According to the report, the cost of bringing up a property up to this standard is estimated to be £7,430.

Can not reasonably refuse smart meters

The energy supplier lists a number of recommendations including introducing a green upgrade relief scheme which allows landlords to deduct green improvements from their annual income.

It also suggests updating the Renters Reform Bill so landlords cannot reasonably refuse smart meter installation.

Gail Parker, director of low-carbon homes, at British Gas said: “This report shows that whilst landlords across the UK are willing to make changes so that their properties are more energy efficient for tenants, they lack the knowledge and financial support to do so.

“It’s key that we work with the government and the industry to ensure they have the ability to make these changes easily and affordably.”

She added: “We are calling for more focus to be made on the issue to help make homes more energy efficient for everybody, not just people who own their own properties.”

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