According to MoneySupermarket.com, a recent survey has found that one in three adults worry about how they will pay for their winter energy bills. Although we have experienced a mild, wet winter so far predictions suggest that we are in for a very cold and bitter winter into December and the new year.

As a landlord, ensuring your rental property is as efficient as possible should be a top priority, especially if you contribute towards some of the bills. Also, from 1st April 2018 is it unlawful to rent out a property which breaches the requirement for a minimum E rating, unless there is an application exemption. Existing tenancies have until 1st April 2020 to comply. Here are some ideas to help your tenants keep their energy bills at bay, by increasing your rental property’s efficiency.

Provide thick or heavily lined curtains and blinds

Whilst it’s tempting to kit your rental home out with cheaper alternatives, providing thicker curtains and blinds to cover windows during the colder months will help to prevent precious heat from escaping. Similarly, purchase drafters or stick-on insulation for the sides and bottoms of any drafty doors or windows.

Swap your shower head for a water-saving model

This is such a quick and easy fix. Whilst showers beat baths in the race to energy efficiency, spending 20 minutes in a hot shower can use over 100 litres of hot water, especially if you have a power shower or a rain shower head. If you’re renting to families in particular, swapping your shower head for a water-saving version should be a top priority. Not only will this save your tenants money on their electricity and water bills, you’re helping the environment too.

Fit double glazing (or secondary glazing, if your property is listed)

If you don’t already have good quality glazing, it is important to look at the benefits of investing in upgrading your property. Your tenants would be amazed by the difference it could make to their annual energy bills. Obviously, this is not a cheap fix, but kitting out your rental home with double-glazed windows should be viewed as a long term investment, which is also a tax saving.

If you’re worried about disturbing the look of your property by replacing classic, wooden windows with PVC, think again. Double glazing doesn’t need to ruin the look of your home – a variety of styles are available to suit any property. Make sure to look out for the ‘Energy Saving Trust recommended’ logo, as this will indicate the most energy efficient styles.

Make sure your home is insulated

Insulating your loft or any cavity walls can make a noticeable difference to the result of your EPC. Insulation is more affordable than ever before and is a highly effective way of retaining heat within a building. Uninsulated walls account for up to 33% of the heat lost in your home, so by filling cavity walls, you could save your tenants up to £180 a year and reduce your carbon footprint. The best bit? There are grants available to help make this investment more affordable – simply search ‘energy/insulation grants’ for more information on the Government’s website.

Arrange for your energy supplier to fit a Smart Meter

Smart Meters aren’t just smart – they can become addictive! Ensure your tenants can keep an eye on their energy consumption and, more importantly, what this means in terms of money. If your tenants can contextualise the cost of a lengthy shower or leaving the heating on all day, the chances are they’ll start to change their habits. This transparency is great for first time renters who can keep track of the property costs.

If you need more tips on how best to manage your rental property or for extra ideas or advice, please contact our team on 01904 393989.