TRVs are already installed in the majority of homes in the UK. However HHIC believes that BEIS should ensure that the benefits of TRVs are communicated to homeowners, even if they do not form part of the final minimum standards. 5.b Should the private rented sector be permitted to opt out of more costly policy options, if undertaken? HHIC strongly believes that landlords operating in the private rented sector should not be exempted from any policy options set out in this consultation. The private rented sector has consistently lagged behind privately-owned homes and the social housing sector in terms of installed energy efficiency measures and privately rented homes have some of the worst EPC ratings in the country. This is mostly due to the fact that in the private rented sector the incentive to improve the efficiency of the home is with the energy bill payer (i.e. the tenant) whereas the means to do so is with the landlord. Consequently, we believe that it is in the private rented sector that a large proportion of the cumulative carbon savings from improved efficiency sought by the Government can be found. It is for this reason that the private rented sector should be obligated to follow the mandated measures outlined in this consultation. Nobody, regardless of the nature of their tenancy, should be left without the ability to properly control a newly installed heating system which is why the private rented sector should not be given an opt out of any policy options. 5.c If an opt out is offered to the private rented sector should a similar opt out be extended to the social rented sector? HHIC does not believe there should be an opt out. Households in rented accommodation are more likely to be in fuel poverty and so should expect the same high installation standards as a privately owned property. Other Technologies 6.a Do installers have sufficient familiarity, training and experience to properly install each of the technologies listed above? HHIC believes that they do. The current market demand means some may lack experience and confidence but manufacturers generally provide comprehensive instructions and
TRVs are already installed in the majority of homes in the UK. However HHIC believes that BEIS should ensure that the benefits of TRVs are communicated to homeowners, even if they do not form part of the final minimum standards. 5.b Should the private rented sector be permitted to opt out of more costly policy options, if undertaken? HHIC strongly believes that landlords operating in the private rented sector should not be exempted from any policy options set out in this consultation. The private rented sector has consistently lagged behind privately-owned homes and the social housing sector in terms of installed energy efficiency measures and privately rented homes have some of the worst EPC ratings in the country. This is mostly due to the fact that in the private rented sector the incentive to improve the efficiency of the home is with the energy bill payer (i.e. the tenant) whereas the means to do so is with the landlord. Consequently, we believe that it is in the private rented sector that a large proportion of the cumulative carbon savings from improved efficiency sought by the Government can be found. It is for this reason that the private rented sector should be obligated to follow the mandated measures outlined in this consultation. Nobody, regardless of the nature of their tenancy, should be left without the ability to properly control a newly installed heating system which is why the private rented sector should not be given an opt out of any policy options. 5.c If an opt out is offered to the private rented sector should a similar opt out be extended to the social rented sector? HHIC does not believe there should be an opt out. Households in rented accommodation are more likely to be in fuel poverty and so should expect the same high installation standards as a privately owned property. Other Technologies 6.a Do installers have sufficient familiarity, training and experience to properly install each of the technologies listed above? HHIC believes that they do. The current market demand means some may lack experience and confidence but manufacturers generally provide comprehensive instructions and