An inquiry into the energy efficiency of private rented housing has been launched by The All Party Parliamentary Group for the Private Rented Sector.

From 1st April 2018, all privately rented accommodation will be obliged to have a minimum energy performance rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate, which is likely to cause considerable issues given that privately rented homes are generally older and harder to treat than properties in other tenures.

The inquiry has been launched off the back of the government’s decision in the March Budget not to renew the Landlord Energy Savings Allowance. This had originally been brought in to encourage landlords to improve the energy efficiency of the properties they own. However, it was shelved because of low take up.

As well as this, the Government has ended funding for the Green Deal and a decision by the European Court of Justice earlier this year ruled that the reduced 5% rate of VAT paid on energy efficiency products can no longer be applied, except from when used for social rented housing.

The Group, who will discuss the effect of recent policy developments on energy efficiency improvements in the PRS, are to make recommendations to the government about what new policies could be developed to support the sector. This will come within the government’s overall ambitions for household energy efficiency and its efforts to ensure value for taxpayers’ money,

“With the winter months just around the corner, improving the energy efficiency of rented housing is a crucial issue,” said Oliver Colvile, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport and the Group’s Chairman.

“With the private rented market under more scrutiny than ever landlords have a challenge to meet the new energy efficiency requirements of their properties. The Group’s inquiry will look to develop new ideas that will support landlords to meet their new target; save tenants money on their bills and help improve standards. I would encourage all those with an interest to submit their suggestions.”

Those with an interest in these subjects are invited to provide written submissions of no more than 1,500 words to Ed Jacobs on [email protected] by 23rd October.