BLOG: ‘Our tech can help landlords understand the cost of EPC upgrades’

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The UK’s private rented sector is dominated by ageing and very energy inefficient housing stock – at 6.3% it has the largest proportion of ‘F’ and ‘G’ rated properties.

To help the UK’s governments meet their net-zero ambitions, private landlords can mitigate carbon emissions through ‘smart retrofitting’.

It’s also an excellent way for landlords to support current tenants facing cost-of-living challenges. As well as softening the impact of rising utility bills, improving the energy efficiency of private rented homes will improve tenants’ standard of living by boosting comfort and reducing the risk of ill health during winter.

Then, as people are more environmentally conscious and mindful of rising energy costs than ever before, landlords can make their properties more appealing to potential tenants by making energy-saving upgrades.

Despite the many advantages of retrofitting – and the advice, grants, and financial solutions available – many landlords have yet to install renewable technologies and other energy-saving measures in their buy-to-let properties.

There are several reasons for this: some landlords argue that proposed measures to meet governments’ targets are inconsistent and unclear, many have a limited understanding of the financial support available to them, and others believe retrofitting will wipe out their profits, making letting unviable.

Impossibly expensive

As measures won’t have the same impact across all properties and as some retrofits can seem impossibly expensive, it is vital to ensure that the right improvements take place in the right properties. This is where technology plays an invaluable part.

One solution available to private landlords is a software application designed to guide them through the entire energy retrofit journey. Developed by my company, Heero Technologies, it provides landlords with personalised energy insights and recommendations with up to 95% accuracy.

The software delivers agnostic, bespoke property information that is both personalised and specifically targeted at home energy improvements.

For example, it not only highlights specific measures based on their ability to improve the energy efficiency of a particular property, but also shows the cost of installation and energy bills savings associated with each suggested measure. It even recommends vetted installers based on customer feedback, estimated cost of work, and proximity to the landlord’s properties.

Read more: A guide to the current MEES regulations.

Additionally, the software offers advice on financing and can ensure that any funding tenants are entitled to is secured, therefore reducing the upfront capital costs associated with retrofits.

Retrofitting buy-to-let properties doesn’t have to be daunting. By turning to technology, private landlords can improve conditions for tenants whilst future-proofing their assets.

For more information, visit https://www.heerotechnologies.com/

Nicola Kennedy (main pic) is the company’s CEO.

Read more: EPC upgrade regulations will cause chaos warns expert. 

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