Letters are being sent to hundreds of private landlords across Stafford Borough to ensure their homes are up to scratch.  

Stafford Borough Council wants owners of homes that are being let out across the borough to improve properties if they are not meeting the minimum energy efficient standards. 

And the council said it will take enforcement action if landlords ignore their legal requirements which the local authority says can put the health of tenants at risk.  

Councillor Jeremy Pert, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said meeting the standards was so important especially when many tenants were watching their energy costs closely. 

Privately rented homes must have an ‘Energy Performance Certificate’ (EPC) of at least band ‘E’ before they can be let. Now the council has written to more than 400 landlords offering help and advice on how they can bring their properties up to standard. 

Councillor Pert added that they wanted to work with landlords so that there were homes fit for purpose to rent in the borough. 

He continued: “Any tenant who rents a property in Stafford Borough should expect that home to meet all the legal requirements which are designed to ensure their safety and wellbeing is paramount. This is why we urge residents to inform us if they believe their rented property is not up to that standard. 

“We would rather work with responsible landlords so they can make any improvements necessary rather than go down the enforcement route. We have people on hand to offer advice and support to both landlords and tenants.” 

“Over the next few months, as the cost of living increases continue to bite, the more energy efficient a resident’s home is, could be the difference between residents heating and eating healthily. So we would urge landlords to help in that journey.” 

You can find out more on the duties for landlords and tenants from the council’s website www.staffordbc.gov.uk/main-duties-of-landlords-and-tenants

Press Release No 5967