Efficiency improvements 'could reduce tenant turnover'

Landlords who boost the energy efficiency of their properties could be rewarded with longer-lasting tenants, experts claim.

According to the National Landlords Association (NLA), new tenants who are greeted by high utilities bills and chilly rooms are more likely to look for an alternative property rather than hang around.

NLA senior policy officer Elizabeth Brogan explains: "Once they have moved in and they receive the energy bills and are feeling a bit cold and miserable, they start thinking about maybe moving on sooner than they might have done before. It might increase tenant turnover."

However she dismisses speculation energy efficiency alone may affect tenants' decisions when looking around potential living spaces.

Instead location, size and rent prices "are probably going to take precedent," Ms Brogan argues.

From October 2008, the Landlord's Energy Saving Allowance will allow landlords to claim up to £1,500 per property against the cost of some self build improvements including loft and floor insulation and draught proofing.