Energy-saving Tips for Landlords and Tenants

As a landlord you're probably extremely interested in increasing the returns on your investment. This guide gives you some simple tips which should enable you to save money, save energy and help save the planet. Plus, by following the suggestions it could mean reduced bills and warmer homes for your tenants.

From 1 October 2008, landlords are required to have an energy performance certificate. The certificate rates a property's energy performance from A to G. Additionally it provides information regarding a property's energy use and carbon dioxide emissions and includes a recommendation report with suggestions as to how you can reduce your energy use and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

???Did you Know???

If you make energy saving improvements to your buy-to-let property then as a landlord you may be entitled to a tax allowance called Landlord's Energy Saving Allowance. Find out more at: www.hmrc.gov.uk

What you can do as a landlord

Exclude draughts
- Doors - fit a brush or PVC seal to external doors.
- Floorboards and skirting - fill gaps with beading or sealant.
Insulation
- Fit a jacket around your hot water tank, and ensure that lofts and wall cavities are insulated.
Other
- Switch to a high efficient condensing boiler.
- Use appliances with the Energy Saving Recommended logo.
- Fit double glazing.
- Use energy saving light bulbs.
- Fix leaking taps.

Encourage your tenants to go 'green'

Kettles - only boil as much water as is needed.
Reduce the temperature on the thermostat.
Use a shower rather than a bath. Cut down on shower time. If the bath is used then use the water for watering plants.
Turn off lights.
Don't leave appliances on standby.
Make sure washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers are full before using them. Wash at 30°.
Don't unnecessarily charge laptops and mobile phones.
Close curtains at dusk to avoid heat escaping out of the windows.
Use the correct size pan when cooking and put the lid on.
Defrost food in the fridge rather than in a pan or in the oven.
Use a microwave for reheating food.
Clean the over door so you can see in rather than opening the door and losing heat.
Use a compost caddy.
Avoid having left over food.
Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Use concentrated cleaning products.
Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl instead of running the tap.
Refrigerate tap water so you don't have to run the tap for a long time to get cold water.
Turn off taps when brushing teeth.
Fit a 'hippo', 'save a flush' or other displacement device in the toilet cistern.

By carrying out these energy saving tips not only will you and your tenants be doing your bit to protect the environment but you could be saving yourselves money as well.

Attracting and keeping tenants

Legal tips for landlords

Dealing with problem tenants

General landlord information (DIY, Inventories and more..)