With the launch of EPC's now only weeks away, results of research from the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes' Private Rented Sector Group have been released. Conducted by the Oxford Research Agency, the research was carried into into tenants' attitudes towards energy efficiency and any current ways in which they attempt to minimise their energy consumption.
Researchers found that nearly nine out of ten (85%) private tenants are concerned over increases in domestic energy costs, while 42% claim to be very concerned.
Underlining the growing importance of energy efficiency in the tenant's search for a property, the research showed that when it came to choosing a rental property, estimated energy bills were considered a major factor, rated just behind key aspects such as location, rental cost and type of property.
Mark Brown, Director of the Partnership comments on the rising importance of energy efficiency within the private rented sector:
"With the upcoming introduction of mandatory EPCs for all rented properties this October, it was important for us to investigate the current attitudes of private sector tenants in England and Wales. We all know that utility bills are increasing but this research shows the real impact this is now having on this sector, people are actually making decisions based on the need to reduce their outgoings and energy efficiency is clearly a significant factor."
Lettings direct.co.uk will be producing EPC's for all properties marketed from September and we will contact landlords with practical improvement recommendations where neccessary. Whilst the EPC's are already being dismissed by some sections of the press, it stands to reason that once tenants get used to seeing EPC bar charts they will start to be more selective about their next home.
To read the full research, go to http://www.eeph.org.uk/energy/index.cfm?mode=view&news_id=1112
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