Government promises warmer rented homes

11 May 2011

Many homes rented from a landlord or lettings agency have shoddy insulation and inefficient boilers.

This means they cost a fortune to heat and make people ill.

New law

But following yesterday's announcement the worst of these cold homes - with energy efficiency ratings of F and G - will have to be improved before they can be let out.

The new rules - included in the Energy Bill - will come into force in 2018.

From 2018, the rental of the very worst performing properties - those rated F and G - will be banned through a minimum energy efficiency standard

Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change

Campaign success

The announcement comes after pressure from Friends of the Earth and supporters, and a coalition of consumer groups, charities, councils and tenants rights groups.

This legislation will protect many vulnerable families from fuel poverty and high energy bills in the future. The Government has made it clear that renting out dangerously cold and draughty homes is unacceptable - landlords will have to improve their properties or face prosecution

Dave Timms, Friends of the Earth's Warm Homes campaigner

Detail and delay

The announcement is a big step forward. But improvements are still needed:

• Rules should be introduced before 2018.
• Tenants must be protected from eviction if they ask for energy-efficiency improvements from landlords.

Even with these changes fuel poverty - where households can't afford to heat their homes to a reasonable standard - will continue for millions.

That's why Friends of the Earth is calling for MPs to back:

• The Warm Homes Amendment
  To ensure all homes - not just rented - are improved and emissions reduced.
• Council action on climate change
  To cut local emissions and provide local green jobs.

Take action

Please mail your MP today and ask for a strong Energy Bill.