Chairman Alan Ward has announced that the RLA is to set up a technical committee, with other bodies, to examine the technical problems associated with improving energy efficiency of older properties.
“With 40 per cent of private rented houses built before 1919, they were not designed to be hermetically sealed with double glazing and blocked up fire-places,” he said. “This often leads to condensation and mould problems - simply because tenants don’t understand the need for ventilation and heating.
“Additionally, measures to upgrade insulation can often reveal other problems such as rising damp or poor electrics and the government’s plans must address the total problem.
“Current campaigns, such as Warmfront, which provide subsidised insulation for roofs and cavity walls have been economical and effective and many landlords have taken up the opportunity.
“The amount of building structure which is actually capable of being upgraded can in some cases be disproportionate to the gain. Our committee will report on these issues so that savings are greater than cost.”
