Green threat to rental market

Landlords told to improve energy ratings

MORE than one in four landlords could be banned from renting out their property unless they make it more energy-efficient.

The Scottish Government wants landlords to get their properties up to a minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating of D by 2022.

That would mean the 28 per cent of rental homes which have EPC ratings of E, F or G would no longer be able to be let. Landlords would have to invest in ‘green’ measures or stop letting their property.

This could deepen the housing crisis, as the private sector provides a crucial stock of rental properties.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said yesterday that measures are needed to improve the standard of housing for private sector tenants. He added: ‘Energy efficiency is key to tackling fuel poverty and meeting our climate change targets.

‘Private renting makes up 14 per cent of Scotland’s homes and is an increasingly important housing option for many people.

‘It is only fair that tenants who rent privately have access to good quality and energy-efficient homes, and minimum standards have a key role to play in driving improvement.’

Mr Stewart said that while most private landlords provide homes built to modern, highly energyefficient standards, some tenants live in some of the least energyefficient homes. He added: ‘These people face higher energy bills and are at greater risk of being pushed into fuel poverty.

‘This consultation sets out proposals which aim to balance the need to make homes more energyefficient while maintaining a private rented sector as a housing option for thousands of households.’

The minister said he expected the consultation would lead to a useful discussion with landlords, tenants and other interested parties.

He added: ‘We see this as the next step in the journey towards delivering our ambition to eradicating poor energy efficiency as a cause of fuel poverty.’

Measures to improve energy efficiency include loft, wall or cavity insulation, double glazing or lowenergy light bulbs.

But owners of older properties often struggle to adopt measures which increase energy efficiency.

The consultation, Energy Efficiency and Condition Standards in Private Rented Housing, also examines what further measures can be taken to ensure the condition of privately rented properties is at the correct standard.

John Blackwood, chief executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords, said: ‘We look forward to contributing to the conversation on how we can improve energy efficiency in the private rented sector and deal with the issue of hard to treat properties.’

Lori McElroy, chairman of the Existing Homes Alliance, said: ‘Good landlords already ensure the properties they rent are well insulated and affordable to live in, with many private properties already meeting the high standards we see in the best of owner-occupied or housing association properties.

‘It is unfair that these landlords have to compete with a small minority who are less concerned for their tenants’ wellbeing. These proposals are a golden opportunity to make a better private rented sector for future generations as well as those renting today.’

Meanwhile, Green MSP Andy Wightman has called for a change in the law to tackle the growing number of short-term lets in Edinburgh and beyond.

The Lothian MSP said he had been contacted by constituents after raising the issue in the Scottish parliament in January, when he highlighted issues in the Old Town and Grassmarket areas of Edinburgh, including one property being used for ‘very audible sex parties’.

A report published by the MSP on the problem in the capital shows more than 6,200 properties are available for short-term let.