More than half of private residential landlords are considering getting involved in Green Deal, according to a survey by a landlords’ association which says it is encouraging members to go green.
The National Landlords Association based its finding on a survey of more than 500 of its members, carried out in June this year, though it has only just released the information.
The survey showed that 63 per cent of landlords said they are aware of the Green Deal, and 56 per cent were considering taking advantage of the energy initiative, though it also showed that a third of landlords were not aware of the scheme at that time.
The survey was based on 546 online interviews with National Landlords Association members, carried out between 7 and 19 June 2012.
The NLA is now making clear to members that any rental properties found to have a poor energy performance rating (F or G) after 2018 will no longer be fit to let under the new legislation.
David Salusbury, Chairman of the NLA, said: ‘Whilst our research shows that many landlords are keen to take advantage of the Green Deal, a third of landlords are not yet aware of the initiative. We encourage landlords to become familiar with the Green Deal as the private-rented sector has a key role to play in ensuring Britain meets its energy targets.
‘Furthermore, it is imperative that landlords future-proof their properties and their investments. The Green Deal is their opportunity to improve the quality of their properties and demonstrate their ability to engage with government initiatives without the burden of further regulation. If landlords don’t act now, they may find their property cannot be legally let come 2018.’
Though the NLA did not specifically mention it in their announcement, Green Deal has the obvious advantage for private landlords that they can obtain energy efficiency improvements to their properties at no cost, since the repayments will be met by tenants through their energy bills – provided the property is occupied.
The NLA claims to be the UK’s leading organisation for private residential landlords, with over 20,000 paid members, ranging from full-time landlords with large property portfolios to those with just a single letting.
The London-based association campaigns for the interests of private landlords, and says it seeks to raise standards in the private-rented sector while aiming to ensure that landlords are aware of their statutory rights and responsibilities. It employs over 40 full-time staff, and has a network of more than 40 regional representatives and branches throughout the UK.
Written by Terry Wardle, Editor of Energy Assessor Magazine
