A WARMER, FAIRER PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR
🌍This resource is a briefing paper published by E3G, authored by James Dyson. It discusses the urgent need for a more equitable and higher-quality private rented sector (PRS) in England and Wales, highlighting the challenges faced by tenants due to rising rents and inadequate housing conditions.
🏡The report reveals that many homes in the PRS do not meet the Decent Homes Standard, suffering from issues such as damp and mould. More than half of these homes are rated below the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) level C, forcing renters to pay higher fuel bills compared to those in social housing. Since 2010, fuel poverty has decreased in owner-occupied and social homes, but it has increased in the PRS, rising from 19% to 24%.
💡The paper advocates for a comprehensive approach to improve energy efficiency in the PRS, proposing stronger renters' rights, financial support for both landlords and tenants, and the establishment of a robust framework to enforce new standards. The document emphasizes that a fair transition to higher efficiency standards must be integrated with broader investments in housing.
⚖️Strengthening renters' rights is deemed essential for ensuring that tenants enjoy the benefits of lower bills while protecting them from potential negative impacts of efficiency improvements. The briefing suggests enhancing the 2023 Renters Reform Bill to include new efficiency standards, thus ensuring that all new requirements are consolidated into one law.
📊The report outlines eight key areas for reform that will help improve energy efficiency, including the removal of no-fault evictions, fair rent increases, and stricter enforcement of the Decent Homes Standard in the PRS. It stresses that secure tenure and reasonable rent increases are vital to protect tenants during upgrades that may require them to vacate their homes temporarily.
💰Financial support for landlords is crucial for implementing necessary upgrades. The paper recommends that the government introduce grants, concessional loan schemes, and tax incentives to encourage landlords to enhance their properties. It notes that PRS homes currently receive a disproportionate share of upgrades, indicating a need for better access to financial assistance for low-income households.
🚀The briefing also emphasizes the importance of a clear timeline and scope for delivering these upgrades, balancing economic pressures with the need for smooth implementation. It highlights the need for effective enforcement of existing standards and proposes a national awareness campaign to educate landlords about upcoming changes.
🌱E3G, as an independent climate change think tank, aims to tackle the barriers to achieving a safe climate by translating climate politics into actionable policies. This briefing underscores the importance of integrating energy efficiency improvements within the broader context of sustainable housing, responding to both environmental and social needs in the housing sector.
