"The government must avoid the temptation to think that simply changing laws to require higher standards is job done"
- Dr Jennifer Harris - TDS Group
More than half of private renters do not know the energy efficiency rating of their homes, according to new research, as the government considers raising minimum standards in the rental sector.
Currently, all private rented homes must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least ‘E’, unless there is a registered exemption. The government is proposing to increase this requirement to a ‘C’ rating.
The survey, carried out by the TDS Charitable Foundation, involved over 2,000 private renters across England. It found that 60% of renters are unaware of their home’s energy efficiency rating, while half do not know the standards landlords are currently required to meet.
Other findings include:
Only 58% of renters recall receiving a copy of their property’s EPC, which is a legal obligation
57% did not know they could report landlords to local councils if properties fail to meet energy efficiency standards
37% of renters struggle to afford their energy bills
64% would be willing to pay slightly higher rent for a more energy-efficient home if it led to lower bills
The TDS Charitable Foundation warns that without a strong awareness campaign, the government’s plans are unlikely to succeed.
“Warm, safe housing should be the bedrock of a modern rental market,” said Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy and research at TDS Group. “However, too few tenants are clear about the energy efficiency standards their landlords should be meeting.
“The government must avoid the temptation to think that simply changing laws to require higher standards is job done. It needs to be backed up by a major campaign to ensure tenants have all the information they need to hold their landlords to account.”
