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Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are set to hit the rental sector come October 1st this year when every tenant will have the right to see one before they rent.
The impact this will have can only be guessed at currently, but John Heron, managing director of buy-to-let mortgage specialist, Paragon Mortgages, reckons that the prospect of lower energy bills could prove to be a deciding factor for penny-saving tenants.

He comments: "If two properties are of a similar standard and rent level, then the tenant is likely to choose the property with the better energy efficiency.

"Landlords already provide high quality rental accommodation, but if they are looking to make improvements to the energy performance of a property, now is a good opportunity.

"Fortunately, there is financial help for landlords and they should take full advantage of the grants available to them."

For landlords interested in improving their EPC rating, and wooing eco-conscious tenants into the bargain, Paragon suggest the following grants to help them on their way:

The Landlord Energy Saving Allowance

Who's eligible? Private and corporate landlords; holiday lets and residential landlords are not covered.

How does it work? Up to £1,500 worth of income tax per property can be claimed back against the installation of energy-saving measures which includes insulating lofts, cavity walls, floors and so on.

The expenditure must be filled out as a deduction on the landlord's self-assessment tax return. For more information visit www.hmrc.gov.uk

Local council benefits and grants

As these vary between local councils, landlords can find out if they are eligible for financial assistance by calling the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012.

Tenant Aid

It's not just landlords who can benefit from grants to help towards a more energy efficient lifestyle. Tenants may also be eligible for some assistance through:

Warm Front

Who's eligible? Tenants of private landlords in receipt of certain benefits, for example, those over the age of 60 or with a child under 16, or those in receipt of income support, council tax benefit, housing benefit, jobseekers allowance or pension benefit.

How does it work? The tenant must apply for the grant, which can total up to £2,700, with the landlord's permission to carry out any work done on improving insulation and heating. Upon application a Warm Front assessor will visit the property to suggest appropriate improvements.

This scheme only applies in England.

For more information visit www.warmfront.co.uk

Energy Supplier Grants

These may apply to tenants paying the energy bills, and can provide discounts on measures such as cavity and loft insulation. This will vary between energy companies.

Visit The Energy Saving Trust for more information on what grants and savings subsidies are available.