Private tenants 'paying more for energy' - 13/12/2011

Many people living in private rented accommodation may feel the need to compare energy suppliers in order to get the cheapest possible deals.

This is because they could end up paying more than many other properties if their landlords have not taken steps to fit energy efficiency measures to the building.

Citizen's Advice noted around 680,000 private tenants in the UK's coldest abodes may be spending up to £488 more than necessary each year due to heat escaping.

It therefore called on both landlords and the government to do more to ensure all homes have adequate efficiency measures in place to trap warmth and cut down on energy bills.

Chief executive of the organisation Gillian Guy noted that recent hikes in fuel prices have hit the pockets of many people, but those living in rented property may have limits on what they can do to counter this.

"Landlords need to speak to their tenants about what they can do together to make their home warmer - and their fuel bills cheaper," she stated.

Another group backing the call for improvements in this area is Friends of the Earth, which said the government must get tough on landlords who take no action to improve conditions in their properties.

Energy campaigner at the group Dave Timms said millions of families will face a choice between spending large amounts of money on heating or going cold this Christmas, which can be avoided if adequate insulation is installed.

From 2018, it will become illegal for landlords to let a property with an energy efficiency rating of lower than band E on the Energy Performance Certificate, but Citizen's Advice stated this change in the law should be brought forward to 2016 - which would bring it in line with a government target for eradicating fuel poverty.

British Gas was one energy supplier to recently emphasise the importance of insulation, reminding individuals to also check their homes for draughts caused by air vents and letter boxes when they are making improvements.

If you want to find out more about switching energy suppliers and how you could save up to £389 in minutes, click here.

Share this story with your friends:-