Landlords who own cheaper properties shouldn’t have to spend so much on energy efficiency upgrades, the National Residential Landlords Association has argued.
The association was responding to government proposals that could require landlords to invest up to £15,000 per property to meet new energy efficiency standards.
The NRLA told the government that having a one-sized fits all approach could significantly burden landlords in the north of England, adding that not all investors are wealthy.
Analysis of polling by research consultancy Pegasus found that landlords typically have the funds to spend £7,700 on their properties.
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “We want all rental properties to be as energy efficient as possible. However, this isn’t going to happen without a serious plan to support the investments needed.
“Relying on the misguided belief that every landlord has limitless reserves to fall back on is not only wrong but will not get tenants any closer to seeing their homes made energy efficient.
“If the government is serious about its plans, it needs to engage with the sector now to develop a clear, bespoke package to help responsible landlords invest in energy efficiency works. That needs to start by fixing a broken tax system which does nothing to encourage proactive property improvements.”
The NRLA also called for energy efficiency investments to be made deductible against income tax.