NRLA launches Home Bank initiative
With the cost-of-living crisis biting across the board the NRLA has launched a new Home Bank initiative, sharing energy efficiency advice and giving away draft excluders, curtains and rugs to help keep homes warm this winter.
The project was launched in conjunction with Birmingham City Council to encourage landlords and tenants to work together to improve the energy efficiency of homes, keeping tenants warmer in the winter months while minimising energy bills.
The association was joined at the launch event, in Birmingham’s Rag Market, by TV presenter Sonnaz Nooranvary, who, along with a team of local seamstresses, was on hand to provide free alterations for donated curtains and soft furnishings provided by local landlords and businesses.
The project was launched after NRLA research found only 22% of tenants had asked their landlord to made to make energy efficiency improvements to their property, with just one in five turning to their landlords or letting agents for advice on cutting bills.
As a result, nearly a quarter of tenants are unsure how to make basic savings by adjusting their radiators, and a shocking one in six (14%) do not know where their thermostat is.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “Both landlords and tenants are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, and greater coordination is needed between both groups to help improve energy efficiency in private rental accommodation this winter.
“We’re launching the Home Bank to raise awareness that by working together, landlords and their tenants can significantly increase the energy efficiency of properties and support each other through this winter.”
The Home Bank was supported with donations of fabric and sewing materials from local craft retailer Hobbycraft, Sollihull, as well as rugs and soft furnishings from NRLA recognised suppliers furniture company Loft and gift vouchers from another NRLA supplier, Carpetright.
The Home Bank scheme, which will see landlords and suppliers donate goods to make homes more energy efficient, will now be rolled out across the UK.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness at Birmingham City Council, said: “As a council we are pleased to support the launch of the NRLA’s Home Bank. Giving the cost-of-living crisis any help and support which is available to tenants and landlords in the form of home improvements is welcome.
“As a council we have recently launched HelpinBrum www.birmingham.gov.uk/livingsupport which offers support and advice to those families and households who are struggling with the bills. This Home Bank will complement that support.”
Energy saving advice
One of the simplest ways that tenants can save energy is to fit correctly adjusted and thermal curtains which can cut heat loss by up to 10 per cent. Other simple and effective ways to save energy in the home are draught-proofing around windows and doors which could save around £60 a year on energy bills and draught-proofing open chimneys when not in use which could save around £90 a year.
To help tenants improve the energy efficiency of their homes, Sonnaz Nooranvary has shared her top tips for simple ways landlords and tenants can reduce heat loss this winter:
- A big contributor to heat loss in homes is through windows. Installing curtains is a simple way to save money on your energy bills, but they must be fitted correctly. They can also be lined to help keep heat in
- If you want to fit Roman blinds instead of curtains fit them to the face of the wall overhanging and covering the window opening instead of fitting into the recess if possible.
- Hard floors look great, but they do mean more heat is lost through the floor.
- Draughty doors let heat out and cold air in. Adding draught excluder tape to the inside of the door frame and putting up an over-door curtain can make a huge difference.
- Draught excluders are quick and easy to make and can be made with remnant fabrics or by upcycling old clothing or throws.
- Try to avoid placing furniture like chairs and sofas in front of radiators
If you would like to get involved in the Home Bank initiative email [email protected]
