Nearly eight in 10 renters say landlords should not be allowed to let out properties that have very poor levels of energy efficiency as a majority of them find it hard to heat their homes properly.

That’s according to the Energy Saving Trust’s (EST) latest poll, which found 70% of UK householders also support the intention.

The survey of more than 2,000 people revealed more than half (51%) of renters said they experience cold homes in the winter.

Under plans proposed by the Government earlier this year, landlords in England and Wales will not be allowed to let out their properties from 2018 if they are not rated E or above on the official Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

However, landlords will only have to improve homes to meet the standard where they can access grants to cover the full cost of upgrades or can persuade tenants to contribute, the EST said.

It suggests more certainty on funding will be needed.

Chief Executive Philip Sellwood added: “It’s not right that landlords are still allowed to rent F and G rated homes in this day and age.

“We support government plans for regulating energy efficiency in the private rented sector but when we get to 2018 there must be effective grants, funding and engagement programmes in place to help landlords make sure they address the homes they rent out. The reality is that landlords may also have to contribute to the cost of these upgrades.”

Energylivenews.com