Landlords 'consider cost of eco improvements'

Thursday, May 6th 2010

Financial circumstances among landlords could persuade them to make properties more energy efficient, it has been claimed.

According to private rented sector expert Malcolm Harrison, this would be the main motivation to encourage them to do so.

But buy-to-let owners are unlikely to make green improvements just for the sake of their tenant's personal preference, he states.

The financial benefits to installing eco devices like a condensing boiler will depend on each property and its owner.

"A landlord is going to take view on cost and as to whether he will make it back. Only he will be able to tell you that," Mr Harrison explained.

Such boilers could be installed alongside an efficient heating system, the Energy Saving Trust recently advised.

And the Residential Landlords' Association has explained tenants are often looking for such features in a house that is energy efficient, as this could mean heating and electrical bills are lower.