Energy Efficient Scotland user guide: private tenants

What is Energy Efficient Scotland?

Energy Efficient Scotland is the Scottish Government's energy efficiency improvement programme. It will run over the next 20 years and remove poor energy efficiency as a driver of fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. Energy Efficient Scotland will ensure that our homes and buildings are warmer, greener and more efficient. To do so, the Programme will put in place a framework of standards for energy efficiency, based on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), and make available a range of support, including advice and financial assistance.

What does Energy Efficient Scotland mean for Private Tenants?

We are committed to improving the energy efficiency of homes in the private rented sector, ensuring tenants are able to enjoy homes that are warmer and affordable to heat. The Heat in Building Strategy sets a pathway to regulate to EPC C from 2025 at change of tenancy, and we will consult on these regulations in 2022.

What measures can Private Tenants take?

If you rented your property after 4 January 2009, it should already have an EPC. Ask your landlord for a copy or find it online at www.scottishepcregister.org.uk. Measures that your landlord can take to improve the energy efficiency of your home include, for example, improving roof and wall insulation, upgrading to a more efficient boiler or installing renewable power generation technologies. As a tenant, you can also take actions to further reduce your energy bills, by adopting improved energy efficient behaviours, installing a smart meter and LED lights and switch energy suppliers.

What support is available?

Advice and financial support is available to help landlords and tenants achieve better energy efficiency in their property. You can contact Home Energy Scotland at 0808 808 2282 who can help with free and impartial advice on installing energy efficiency measures as well as renewable energy technologies. Home Energy Scotland can also provide you an onward referral to CITRUS Energy for advice on switching your energy supplier/ tariff.

If you are spending a significant proportion of your income on energy bills, you can contact Home Energy Scotland (0808 808 2282) to find out what support is available to help you improve the energy efficiency of your property.

Links:

• Energy Efficient Scotland route map
• Energy Efficient Scotland consultation
• Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing consultation