NLA research has shown vastly improved standards of accommodation in the private rented sector, with landlords focused on the 1 October 2008 deadline for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, said: “The market is full of misconceptions about the standard of homes in the private rented sector. But the NLA and its members have long been committed to improving the quality of rented accommodation.
"They know that an energy efficient property makes good business sense because it will be more appealing to tenants, will command a premiumrent and also help save the planet. By improving the standard of their properties, landlords are able to improve the quality of life for tenants as well as helping to maintain the fabric of the building and investing in their own futures.”
The NLA is concerned that private landlords who are not members of a trade organisation may be unaware of the new EPC obligations being introduced in less than a year.
Each EPC will last for ten years. It will consist of a colour chart showing the energy performance of the property, similar to the charts already used on white goods, and a list of appropriate improvements which could be made to the property. There will be no legal requirement to make the improvements.
