The agency which is part of Britain’s largest independent estate agent group, Spicerhaart, is providing landlords with top tips on how to make their properties more energy efficient, which will also help protect their properties over the coming Christmas period.
Andrew Berry, managing director of haart residential lettings said: “From October next year all rental properties in England and Wales will be required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) prepared by an accredited energy assessor or home inspector which will rate the environmental impact and energy efficiency of the property.
“Landlords will need to be able to show tenants the EPC otherwise they risk breaking the law. But there is no need to panic just yet and we suggest five simple low cost measures that they can take in preparation which will also make all the difference during these cold winter months.”
haart recommends:
Fitting low-energy light bulbs. These last up to 12 times longer and use around 80 per cent less energy than traditional filament bulbs
Installing hot water tank jackets. These cost from around £10, and can cut heat loss by around 75 per cent
Putting in insulation. Roof insulation that is at least 250mm thick could cut heat loss by around 30 per cent, and installing cavity wall insulation will save another 30 percent.
Fixing leaking hot taps. In a week a dripping tap can waste half a bath full of hot water.
Reflecting heat. Reflective foil panels make use of the heat lost behind radiators and are cheap to buy from DIY stores.
haart also suggests some simple tasks and maintenance checks over the Christmas period, such as making sure the property is secure, having boilers and heaters inspected by a CORGI registered service engineer, and checking that all pipes and tanks are protected to prevent water freezing and splitting the pipes.
Andrew Berry added: “Now is the ideal time for landlords to ensure that their properties are as energy efficient as possible and prepare for the introduction of the EPC. Things such as insulation, central heating and double glazing not only increase the long-term value of the property but make it much more attractive to tenants.
“We also advise that as the weather becomes colder and Christmas approaches landlords follow our advice to ensure their properties will be much better protected against criminals and bad weather. Simple steps really can make a huge difference.”
haart is a member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA), the only professional self-regulating body solely concerned with the private rented sector.