Survey claims tenants becoming increasingly eco-conscious

Tenants are becoming increasingly eco-conscious according to a new survey.

Some 80 per cent of those questioned agree that landlords or their managing agents should give consideration to the environmental impact of their property and undertake measures to ensure that it is environmentally friendly.

One of these demands is having a smart meter fitted into the property; participants in the study were asked what they would expect to be included in the cost of a 'furnished' private rental home, with 32 per cent stating that they would want a smart meter as part of the package. 

This compared to only six per cent saying a security camera was key and - perhaps surprisingly - only 19 per cent saying wireless broadband should be standard. 

Over half of those questioned, 55 per cent, said that they would rather choose a private rental property with a smart meter than one without if the rental cost were the same.

The research was commissioned by PC World Business and was conducted by YouGov polling company; over 4,170 adults were questioned, of which 552 were private renters. 

Earlier this year, the government launched a campaign for energy suppliers to have installed smart meters in all homes by 2020. 

From April 1 this year private tenants living in F and G rated homes, according to the most recent EPC, have been able to request improvements such as more insulation. The landlord is then legally bound to bring the property up to at least an E rating, although not (for the moment at least) if it requires upfront costs. 

Landlords must not grant a lease of sub-standard property not meeting these standards after April 1 2018.