Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Private tenants stuck with wasted energy bill

Tuesday, 13 December 2011 12:35 PM

Private tenants are wasting hundreds of pounds a year on their heating bills because they rely on their landlords to make their homes energy efficient.

Citizens Advice and Friends of the Earth delivered the warning today and called on the government and private landlords to act.

The organisations estimate that 680,000 private tenants who live in the coldest homes (with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in Band F or G are spending an average of £488 a year on wasted energy and that 40 per cent of them are in fuel poverty.

It will be an offence in most cases to let or market a property that falls below an EPC band E from 2018.

But Citizens Advice and Friends of the Earth want the government to bring that forward from 2018 to 2016 and they want landlords to take responsibility for cutting their tenants' fuel bills rather than wait until the government forces their hand.

Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy said: "Rising rent and hikes in fuel costs are busting many people's budgets. So landlords need to speak to their tenants about what they can do together to make their home warmer – and their fuel bills cheaper."

Want to be the first to know when we break a story?  on Twitter and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter.

Related stories

ARLA says landlords need help to improve homes they could be banned from renting from 2018. Image: Thinkstock

Private landlords failing on energy efficiency

ARLA says landlords need help to improve homes they could be banned from renting from 2018.

Man on step ladder about to install loft insulation

Energy Bill will end "draughty" rental properties

The British Property Federation has welcomed the news, but is sceptical about why the rules will only apply to the rental sector.
The deputy prime minister has had a rather turbulent few years. Image:Allstar

Poorest homes get extra help with energy efficiency

Clegg reveals details of schemes to boost insulation and cut heating bills.

Messy tenants can be a serious problem for landlords. Image:PA

Web TV show: Spotlight on troublesome tenants

As a new landlord how can you deal with a rogue tenant? In this Web TV show our experts give you the lowdown.
With tenants staying in properties longer a comprehensive inventory is becoming even more important. Image:Thinkstock

Private renters staying three months longer

Comprehensive inventory of property and contents now even more important, says ARLA.

George Osborne will announce the budget on 21 March. Image:Allstar

ARLA calls for tax breaks for private landlords

Chancellor George Osborne urged to reform capital gains tax and stamp duty to encourage more investment.

On one pioneer project in Manchester, improvements are being made to 9,000 homes.

Shapps urges action on energy bills by landlords

Housing minister says social landlords can help save tenants money and create jobs.

 Extra subsidy will be on offer for homes that are hard to insulate, including those with solid walls.

Energy-saving help on the way from Green Deal

Huhne pledges scheme to make homes warmer and cut energy bills.
Morris Homes' zero-carbon development

Energy Bill 'must be more ambitious'

The government's Energy Bill has been criticised by the Federation of Master Builders and World Wildlife Federation.

 CGI of the London Olympic Village.

Tenants face Olympic eviction

Rogue landlords may evict a "large number" of tenants as a result of the Olympics, according to Shelter.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

WowBBQ

WowBBQ Logo
Welcome to the World of Weber. We are the largest independent online Weber BBQ retailer in the United Kingdom. WOWbbq.co.uk is a Weber Partner Store and can give you the best advice for all your Weber BBQ needs.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

A guide to finding the right kitchen sink

When redesigning a kitchen or giving the room a makeover, it is important not to forget about the less obvious aspects of the space. Kitchen sinks are an essential fitting, but often overlooked, despite the fact there is a wide choice of styles available.

Useful tips to help find a flat in London

Looking for flats in London can be a frustrating process, given the capital's size, demand for rental accommodation and varying prices. It is vital, therefore, that you do plenty of research and act quickly to ensure you get the place that you want.

What do you need to consider when buying a mattress?

If you looking for a new mattress, you need to get the decision right, as getting it wrong could impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As well as comfort and size, you also need to consider other points, such as any health issues you may have.