Energy efficiency for tenants in private rented properties

Making your home more energy efficient can be challenging for those renting in the private sector.

If your rented property is cold, draughty and hard to heat, you should first contact your landlord. You have the right to request certain basic energy efficiency measures, and consent should not be unreasonably refused.

However, if this is unsuccessful, please contact the Residential Regulation Team.

Single-family rented properties

We are currently targeting private rented properties that are rated F and G in their EPCs for assessment under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), as they are at high risk of being a 'Category 1' hazard for excess cold.

Where hazards are identified, landlords are required to make improvements to ensure any risks to tenants’ health are reduced.

Landlords cannot assume that satisfying the Council’s requirements under the Housing Act 2004 will automatically mean they have met their Energy Act responsibilities. A new EPC still needs to be commissioned that meets the E+ standard.

However, there are small changes you can make now, with no or low-cost techniques:

• switch off appliances when they are not in use
• turn off all your lights when you are not using them or when you leave a room
• use your washing machine at 30°C
• avoid using the tumble dryer and instead allow your clothes to dry in a well-ventilated room
• only fill the kettle with how much water you need
• fill your dishwasher fully before running
• use draught excluders at the bottom of draughty doors
• fit radiator reflector panels
• better understand how your heating systems work to maximise efficiency

For a more detailed list of advice on small changes you can make in your home visit Energy saving tips for renters on the Energy Saving Trust website.

For no-cost tips, practical ideas and where to find further help, see the Low Carbon Hub’s Warmer Winter Checklist (PDF).