Boilers - Help available for landlords

31/01/2008

Private landlords have been urged to take advantage of the grants on offer to install energy saving measures in their properties before energy performance certificates (EPCs) become mandatory for rental accommodation.

From October 1st landlords will have to supply prospective tenants with a copy of a property's EPC, which will detail its energy efficiency and recommend where improvements can be made.

John Heron, managing director of specialist buy-to-let lender Paragon Mortgages, said that although landlords are under no obligation to act on the advice contained in an EPC, it could affect their ability to find tenants.

He added that now is a good opportunity for landlords to think about energy saving measures, explaining: "There is financial help for landlords and they should take full advantage of the grants available to them."

Among the assistance on offer are grants of up to £2,700 from Warm Front which can be used to fit combination boilers or insulation.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that installing an efficient modern boiler and heating controls can reduce the average annual household fuel bill by £200 a year.