Access to Funding and Grants for Landlords

LOFT AND CAVITY WALL INSULATION Under current CERT funding: tenants may be eligible for insulation measures (subject to survey) Cavity wall insulation can be installed free of charge and loft insulation may also be free (if the existing depth of insulation is under 60mm) otherwise prices start from £99.

SOLID WALL INSULATION Available to tenants who are in receipt of certain benefits Building Regulations apply and Planning application necessary with listed buildings or in Conservation Areas Allowances are made depending on fuel type: Electric and solid fuel – 100% funded Oil – 60% funded LPG – 50% funded Mains gas– 40% funded

LANDLORD’S ENERGY SAVING ALLOWANCE (LESA) This is a tax allowance (not a cash payment) that allows you to claim up to £1,500 against tax every year You can claim LESA for the costs of buying and installing certain energy saving products for properties you rent out You claim the allowance when filling in your tax return You can claim LESA up to 1 April 2015

WARM FRONT provides heating and insulation improvements to households who are in receipt of certain benefits living in properties that are poorly insulated and/or do not have a working central heating system. scheme extended until 31st March 2013

LANDLORD GRANTS Uttlesford District Council offers Housing Renewal Assistance grants for tenants receiving certain means tested benefits which includes: Essential repairs (depending on the repairing obligations on the tenancy agreement) Adaptations Bathroom facilities for the first time

GREEN DEAL Proposed to be launched in Autumn 2012 Provides upfront capital to carry out energy efficiency improvements to their properties and repay through their energy bill. Energy Company Obligation (ECO). Available to social landlords to subsidise insulation in properties with tenants on lower income and the most vulnerable householders

Plans are proposed to introduce regulations to ensure all landlords would face minimum energy efficiency standards From April 2016 landlords will not be able to refuse reasonable requests from tenants, or local authorities acting on behalf of tenants, to improve their property. From April 2018 the Government will make it unlawful to rent out a house or business premises which has less than an “E” rated efficiency rating.