Blog
Find out what small changes can be made to be more appealing to tenants.
As the demand for environmentally conscious living continues to rise, landlords are increasingly focusing on green initiatives to attract and retain tenants. In recent years, there has been a cultural shift towards sustainability, with increasing awareness of environmental issues and a growing desire to live more sustainably. This shift is evident in consumer preferences, lifestyle choices, and purchasing decisions, including housing choices.
Not only do sustainable practices help reduce carbon footprints, but they also enhance a property’s value and contribute to a healthier living environment, which indicates to prospective tenants that the landlord cares about their tenants and the world we live in.
As standard, all rental properties now come with an EPC certificate, providing valuable information about the energy efficiency of a property. Ratings are applied to a building, with ‘A’ being the most efficient and ‘G’ the least. EPCs consider factors such as insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy sources, among others, to assess a property’s energy efficiency. Currently, a rental property must be rated ‘E’ or above to be deemed suitable for tenants. Proposals to increase this to ‘C’ have recently been put on hold, yet this is likely to come into effect in the future.
While an EPC rating isn’t usually the most important factor to a potential tenant, it is becoming more prominent for eco-conscious tenants. Londoners, in particular, are seemingly more concerned about climate change and this trend is stretching outwards among commuters and those relocating to Guildford. According to londoncouncils.gov.uk, 84% of Londoners are concerned about climate change, compared to 75% of adults in the UK (source: ONS).
Liz Gamlen
Lettings Director
Written By
Great team at Howard Morley & Sons....very attentive and helpful with any tenant issues. Highly recommended.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can be very attractive to tenants, but the cost and time involved can be a barrier to many landlords. As a minimum, an alternative way to attract environmentally conscious tenants is by installing energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting in rental properties. The latter not only consumes less energy but also lasts longer, saving both money and resources in the long run.
Ensuring sustainable transport options can also be attractive, including secure bike storage and facilities for electric vehicle charging. The implementation of green building practices such as proper insulation, energy-efficient windows, and water-saving fixtures to further reduce environmental impact and operating costs are also attractive. There are ‘Help to Heat’ grants available from the Government, but there are some limitations for Landlords, for which we can advise.
If works are needed on a property, landlords should opt for eco-friendly building materials such as bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, or low-VOC paint. These materials are not only sustainable but also contribute to better indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment for tenants. Additionally, properties equipped with water-saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets, aerated faucets, and rainwater harvesting systems are appealing to environmentally conscious tenants, as is providing convenient recycling bins, composting facilities, and educational resources for tenants to encourage responsible waste management.
Get a rental valuation
Find out how much your rental property is worth in the current market from a team who know everything there is to know about lettings.
As a Guildford letting agent, we are supporting our landlords to achieve the highest EPC rating and attract the best tenants with advice about becoming more environmentally conscious. If you want to understand the changes you can make to your rental property to be more appealing to tenants, we can advise. Contact our team to find out more.
Related articles
What is Awaab’s Law & When Will It Apply to Private Landlords?
What is Awaab’s Law & When Will It Apply to Private Landlords?
There are new rules on damp, mould and other hazards. Find out when Awaab’s Law will apply to private landlords – and what you need to do.
Pets in Rental Properties: What Are the Rules & How Are They Changing?
Pets in Rental Properties: What Are the Rules & How Are They Changing?
Are you a landlord in Guildford wondering how the new rules about pets in rental properties will affect you? Read our guide to find out what the changes will mean to you.
