Trading Standards launches bid to lift energy standards in rental sector

TrustMark, the government-backed quality kite mark scheme for tradespeople, is launching a pilot with Trading Standards to improve the quality and energy efficiency of rented accommodation.

The initiative - called Better Homes for Hastings - is happening just within the Hastings area and has been launched with a meeting of agents, private landlords, housing associations, tenants and businesses in the area. 

The initiative aims not only to educate tenants about their rights and encourage the comfort and health factors in rented accommodation, but also to address the issue of fuel poverty through the improvement of energy efficiency measures.

Agents, landlords and housing associations will also have the opportunity to learn about the incoming regulations relating to energy efficiency standards in rental properties, as well as connect them with reputable businesses and tradespeople to help ensure their properties meet these requirements. 

“Tenants and landlords need to be confident that the tradespeople they employ to carry out any work on their properties meet the required industry standards – by using a TrustMark Registered Business they can be sure that the tradespeople have been vetted to ensure levels of technical competency, customer service and trading practices and are in accordance with government endorsed quality” claims Simon Ayers, chief executive officer of TrustMark.

Trustmark says the Hastings pilot is part of a series of events designed to help the government meet targets about reduced carbon emissions and fuel poverty. A further project is planned for Cornwall later this year.