Improving energy efficiency in private rented housing : what makes landlords act?

AMBROSE, Aimee (2015). Improving energy efficiency in private rented housing : what makes landlords act? Indoor and Built Environment, 24 (7), 913-924.

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Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1177/1420326X15598821

Abstract

The private rented sector in England contains some of the least energy efficient properties in the country and houses more vulnerable households than any other sector. Occupants endure dangerously cold homes and fuel poverty but have no direct influence over the energy performance of their homes. The choices that occupants make regarding energy are constrained by the material characteristics of a property: something only the landlord can alter. Enduringly poor conditions in the sector indicate that an initiative that convinces landlords of the benefits of improving energy efficiency remains elusive. Based on a review of existing research and 30 interviews with landlords, this paper identifies factors which deter landlords from acting to improve energy efficiency. Factors include lack of knowledge regarding the consequences of energy inefficiency and possible solutions, the absence of direct financial incentives (the principal–agent problem), local housing market and cultural factors. It also identifies a number of motivating factors that may encourage landlords to invest in energy efficiency. It is argued that policies to tackle energy inefficiency in the sector should take account of these factors in order to improve effectiveness. Keywords Private rented sector, Domestic energy efficiency, Principal–agent, The Green Deal, Private landlords, Split incentive

Item Type: Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1177/1420326X15598821
Page Range: 913-924
Depositing User: Sarah Ward
Date Deposited: 27 May 2015 12:48
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 13:52
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/9866

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