Any grant schemes for private tenants not on benefits?

spinningsheep

Hi, not sure if anyone can help on this, but we rent a house privately and it isn't that well insulated, double glazed but needs better loft insulation. Now my landlady is a really nice lady but she isn't rolling in it, neither am I, and she really cannot afford to renew the loft insulation and maybe put a combi boiler in rather than a standard cylinder one we have now, which has just been serviced and has been given a clean bill of health despite being 30 years old! (glow-worm fuelsaver F). When I have looked at any of the websites offering these grants for improvements, they say I am not entitled to any help at all, as I work full time and do not receive every benefit known to mankind! It seems so unfair that I am not able to get any assistance to make my house more energy efficient because I am not claiming benefit off the state, yet my earnings barely cover our outgoings, we certainly do not live a flamboyant lifestyle, if anything I know people who do not work and are far better off than me, but thats another story! Any ideas would be appreciated.

dmg24

It is up to the landlord to make these improvements, not you.

spinningsheep

Thought so, seems so unfair that as I work I dont get any help. If I sat at home all day on my backside watching Jeremy Kyle on a plasma TV and raising 5 kids I would be sorted, gratis, but by me working full time, paying all my bills and council tax, I get told go forth and multiply. I take home £900 after tax and my household outgoings come to £550 so I have £350 for everything else. I can understand my landlady not wanting to fork out for "improvements". After all, she wont reap the benefit of lower fuel bills, and its not like the boiler isn't serviceable, so I don't hold it against her, she is after all renting the house to make money not as a charity!

(footnote: I do not have a notion that all people on benefits are avid jeremy kyle fans, its the few scab rats who create the bad press for those who are in genuine receipt of benefits)

dmg24

Why not move house? She would have to make improvements then.

I think you are being far too sympathetic towards your landlady. You forget that she is making money from you!

spinningsheep

Its not that simple, its our dream house really very happy here so despite an ancient boiler, we're not moving anywhere! (if it was up to me I would rip out the gas and go to anthracite for the boiler, works out cheaper!)

CharlieBilly

I seem to recall landlords may get help because didnt they change the rules not long ago and that properties must confirm to some standard

Anyhow found these web sites

http://www.freeinsulation.co.uk/landlords.html
http://www.ukhomeinsulation.co.uk/
http://www.insulationgrants.co.uk/landlords.html

"I can understand my landlady not wanting to fork out for "improvements" many landlords benefit because its more likely to get a tenant



Why Insulate?

There are several reasons why landlords should insulate:

• Improves the condition and value of the property.
• Helps to attract new tenants when properties are empty.
• Helps to keep existing tenants. They will save money on their heating bills and will feel more comfortable in their surroundings.
• Helps to sell a property. All homes sold in England and Wales require an Energy Performance Certificate as part of the new Home Information Packs. A well insulated property will have a higher Energy Efficiency rating. Cavity Wall Insulation also comes with a 25 year guarantee from CIGA (the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency) which can be passed on.
• Helps to protect the environment from global warming.

N.B. From 1st October 2008, all landlords will be required to produce an Energy Performance Certificate when letting or re-letting a property. Certificates will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

tori.k

Is that £900 PM? if so give warmfront a call you maybe able to get 40% off, worth asking if nothing else.
Also i've found in the past landlords will usually give in to keep a good tenant, maybe worth letting her think you may have to move to somewhere cheaper to run, Many landlords are asset rich and cash poor, but she would be a lot poorer with an empty house then a warm tenant, its only fair that she should plow some of your rent money back into the house,

Antispam

Landlords do benefit

Its better to always have a good tenant that pays on time and looks after the place. Thsi gives a steady income and help pays the mortgage if they have one.

Also a empty property encourages the fabric of the building to decay much quicker than a property that was well looked after and heated plus obvious money from tenant and less likely to be broken into