Residential Lettings News

Five key things to improve your energy efficiency rating

So what can you do to help boost the energy efficiency of your property?

  1. Double or even triple glazing: Is your property double, or even triple-glazed? This is a massive energy saver. Single glazing, though not very common now does still exist, and in a lot of rented properties. A huge amount of heat can be lost from single glazing and it can also be draughty. Make sure having single glazed windows replaced is at the top of your to-do list. If you have got double glazed windows when were fitted? If they’ve been fitted for many years, they won’t be as energy efficient as the more modern windows and doors. Check them for draughts and any faulty seals.
  2. Cavity wall and loft insulation: Does your property have cavity walls, and if so, are they filled? Is your loft or flat roof insulated? Preventing heat loss through walls and the roof (a quarter of the heat in a home is lost through the roof alone) is another key win in achieving an improved energy rating.
  3. Draught proofing: Have your doors got draught excluders? This can be a very quick and simple way of retaining heat in the home and saving energy.
  4. Upgrade heating and boiler system: How old is your boiler and heating system? If it’s dated you may want to consider upgrading to a newer, more energy efficient model.
  5. Lighting: If you’re a super landlord you could even consider fitting LED lighting throughout your property. Your new tenants will be amazed they don’t have to fit lightbulbs and will be pleased with the cost saving – not only in the short term but with their electricity bill too.

There are many other things you can consider, such as smaller touches like energy-efficient shower heads, or something as major as having solar panels installed. But ensuring you do what you can about the key issues like insulation, windows and heating systems, should be the first things you look at.

For more help, you can contact our advisors who will conduct a full assessment of your property and advice you what needs to be done.

Did you know…? We are ARMA accredited…

We are ARMA accredited. ARMA is the leading professional body for residential managing agents in England & Wales. By using us, as an ARMA Accredited managing agent, you can be assured that: We have the relevant professional experience: it is a requirement that every ARMA member provide evidence of at… Read more

Landlords, allowing pets for your tenants could improve your tenant search.

  Pets are the heart of the home. A pet cat for your tenants could make them feel happier and more likely to stay in your property for longer, which is good news for you as a landlord. It is common for landlords to have a blanket ‘no pets’ policy… Read more

Leasehold system still alive and kicking despite government measures

The Government is having a crackdown on what they call “unfair and abusive practices within the leasehold system”.   Research has found that 31.9% of all properties sold in the UK in 2017 were leasehold showing an increase of more than 5% on 2016. Leasehold properties benefit from Residents Associations who… Read more

Should tenants have the right to keep pets?

The Labour party wants to give tenants a default right to keep pets in their rented home. The 2015 Consumer Rights Act says Landlords can only refuse permission if it is reasonable to do so, these reasons being the animal’s size, impact on future rental demand and possible damage. In… Read more

Mortgage Rates set to be repriced upwards

Now is the time to review any assets subject to mortgages or secured loans, as rates are at their lowest for a long time for single property owners or those who own a portfolio. The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee confirmed its forecasts for interest rate rise were now… Read more

Draft Tenant Fees Bill

On 1 November 2017 the Government introduced the Draft Tenant Fees Bill to parliament. The Government have proposed to ban letting agent fees for landlords in England. This means lettings agents and landlords will only be able to charge a refundable holding deposit of no more than a week’s rent.… Read more