Project to support landlords meet energy efficiency requirements

Project to support landlords meet energy efficiency requirements

0:01 AM, 23rd May 2023, About 11 months ago 2

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The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) has launched an innovative project to help landlords nationwide meet the proposed energy efficiency requirements.

The work is being funded by the TDS Charitable Foundation and there’s a one-stop website that is packed with helpful tips and advice.

Landlords can now easily learn how to ensure their rented homes meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations and achieve an EPC C rating or better.

‘Most landlords want to comply with the law’

Jennifer Harris, the head of policy, research and strategy at The Dispute Service, said: “Our research shows that most landlords want to comply with the law but can find it difficult to access the advice and support they need.

“As a result of this new service, more landlords throughout England will be aware of and better able to adhere to MEES regulations, ensuring houses are warmer, safer and cheaper to heat.”

The project also boasts a free telephone helpline for landlords in Bristol, Somerset and Birmingham.

It is run by knowledgeable energy advisors in all things MEES-related. The number is 0800 1380 810.

Changes in laws and regulations aren’t clearly communicated

A recent survey funded by the TDS Charitable Foundation and SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust found that 70% of landlords in England feel that changes in laws and regulations aren’t clearly communicated.

And 75% said it’s difficult to keep up with the changes that affect private renting.

Now the CSE project aims to make understanding the new regulations much easier by bringing relevant information and support into one informative website.

The project also aims to help landlords know what action to take to improve their properties – or apply for an exemption – should they need to.

The organisation points to a previous project which provided one-to-one advice and information to landlords in Bristol and 747 of them said they were better informed to meet the proposed EPC ratings.

They were also able to claim grants and loans for energy efficiency measures to improve their rented properties.


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Comments

Freda Blogs

11:48 AM, 23rd May 2023, About 11 months ago

" The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) has launched an innovative project to help landlords nationwide meet the proposed energy efficiency requirements.".

TDS should know better, as they are intimately involved in (and profiting from) services provided in the PRS.

They should also know that:
a) the EPC C 'requirement' is proposed - ie not yet law; and
b) the current EPC algorithm is not aligned with the objectives of the move towards EPC C - cost saving vs reducing emissions.

Perhaps TDS could use its offices to actively campaign for clarification of these matters, as unless and until this happens, few LLs are going to engage with this initiative at the present time (if at all).

The recently published Renters Reform Bill is creating a lot of concern within the PRS LL community, so expenditure on an ill defined and uncertain energy initiative is going to be low to non existent on most LLs' priority list.

Jennifer Harris

10:43 AM, 24th May 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Freda Blogs at 23/05/2023 - 11:48Yes, as stated in the article the EPC C requirement is currently proposed and there is some indication that the deadline may be pushed back. There is, however, data to suggest that landlords will not be waiting until the last minute to make changes for example, https://www.nrla.org.uk/news/energy-efficient-homes-for-tenants-become-the-priority-as-landlords-fight-to-beat-inflation
This project follows on from an initial pilot which demonstrated that there was great demand for this kind of service.

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