Q. I’m a Landlord with several investment properties and just heard about something called ‘The Green Deal’ that may affect me as a Landlord can you tell me more?
A. Sure, The Green Deal a new energy bill is due to start in 2012, and aims to make millions of properties whether owned or rented be made warmer and cheaper to run. Under the proposals, home-owners and some businesses will be able to apply for funding to make energy efficiency improvements to their properties, which will be repaid by users’ energy bills. Green Deal funding would have to be disclosed when a property is sold or rented out. The Bill includes reserve powers for landlords to be compelled by tenants or local authorities to make “reasonable” improvements to their properties. It will also create a huge number of new jobs. The number of people employed in insulation alone could soar from the present 27,000 to 100,000 by 2015, eventually rising to a peak of 250,000 in the next decade. To try to ensure that there are no cowboy operators in the sector, installers will have to accredited. The NFOPP (National Federation of Property Professionals’) are currently involved in meetings with the Government to discuss how this could be implemented. Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said: “I’m confident the Green Deal will catch on with the public. It’ll make upgrading our nation’s draughty homes a no-brainer. But I don’t want people to be hoodwinked by rogue traders or receive dodgy advice. Consumer protection will be built into the Green Deal from the word go. Accreditation, a quality mark, insurance-backed warranties – there’ll be no place for cowboys to get a foothold in the Green Deal. The new bill would also mean that Consumers will be able to pay back the Green Deal through a charge on their energy bills. When the occupier moves on, not only will a more efficient property be left to the next occupier, the charge will also be left behind. The Secretary of State will have powers to make future regulations requiring private landlords to make reasonable energy efficiency improvements to their properties subject to there being no upfront costs to them. A new Energy Company Obligation on energy suppliers will also provide additional support for low income vulnerable households and for those whose homes are more difficult or expensive to improve.