Government's environmental legislation 'provides clarity for landlords'

The government's decision to alter environmental legislation plans in order to boost the number of energy-efficient rented properties has been backed.

Earlier this week, energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne revealed changes to the Green Deal, which means that landlords will be obliged to make sure their lettings meet energy-efficient standards by 2016.

Director of policy and communications at the UK Green Building Council John Alker has welcomed this adjustment, saying it encourages landlords to redevelop their properties so they consume less energy.

"It provides a bit of additional certainty for landlords, because they know they have to do this, they have five or six years to do it [and] they can plan ahead and start getting their house in order," said Mr Alker.

He added that buy-to-let owners will have a greater sense of clarity with regards to the government's green housing policy as they will be able to set their energy-saving renovation plans in motion, knowing that they have to fulfil certain requirements by 2016.

Posted by Claire Manning