Is your landlord meeting these new measures?

Is your landlord meeting these new measures?

Landlords run the risk of prosecution for failing to introduce energy efficiency measures.

Landlords who fail to respond to tenants who request improvements to the energy efficiency of their homes could face prosecution under new laws.

Since the beginning of April this year tenants living in F and G rated homes have been able to request energy efficiency improvements to their properties including new windows and better insulation.

But according to a study by letting agent PropertyLetByUs, more than half of UK tenants claim that their rental property is cold, while 58% say that requests made to improve the energy efficiency of their homes have been turned down by landlords.

Craig Smith, Managing Director Copperfield Windows, warns that a ‘grace-and-favour’ period is now coming to an end and landlords who continue to flout the legislation run the risk of prosecution.

Craig, said: “Awareness running up to its introduction wasn’t great, and we have spoken to a lot of landlords since, who haven’t been aware of their responsibilities under the regulations.

“But whether the changes have been communicated effectively or not, they nonetheless, place a direct responsibility on landlords and it is only a matter of time before we see the first prosecutions.

“We would encourage landlords with properties in West Midlands, think that their properties may fall short of the minimum ‘E’ home Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to get in touch.

“Energy efficiency home improvements including thermally efficient double and triple-glazed windows  don’t need to cost a fortune and can make a significant contribution to the overall efficiency of your property. “

According to data from the European Union, as many as 10 million British families live in a home with a leaking roof, damp walls or rotting windows. It highlights that damp and mould remains a particular problem in properties with old or single glazed windows.

The report suggests that tenants who live in energy inefficient homes can be paying as much as £1,000 more per year than the average annual bill of £1,265.

Copperfield, offers an extensive range of energy efficient double-glazed and triple-glazed windows and doors. This includes thermally efficient 1.2W/m².K  (the measure of heat loss) or Window Energy Rated A⁺ rated double-glazed windows and ultra-energy efficient triple-glazed windows, which will achieve U-values as low as 0.8W/m².K.

Call 02476 452688 or email admin.copperfield@btconnect.com to find out more.