Landlords thinking about upgrading the heating system in their rented property could be on the receiving end of a cash windfall from the Scottish Government, Clear Property Investment has learned.

A total of £300,000 is about to become available to Scottish property owners who rent. This money will be distributed on a first-come-first-served-basis to registered private sector landlords. So, if this sounds like something that interests you, waste no time in applying.

The government expect around 750 landlords will benefit from the Private Sector Landlord Boiler Scrappage scheme which is soon to be introduced (Clear Property Investment will keep you posted on dates in our weekly newsletter).

The Energy Savings Trust (EST) is administering the scheme and, as you'd expect, it involves installing environmentally-friendly heating systems, which are aimed at drastically cutting down on emissions. The new heating will not only save on heating bills but also prove advantageous when it comes to Energy Performance Certificates.

A spokesman for EST said: "We reckon there are probably around 250,000 homes in Scotland which currently have boilers of the least efficient type of heating.

"Under the Scrappage scheme the EST will offer private sector landlords £400 towards upgrading their inefficient boiler to an EST-approved heating system in their rented property."

According to EST the scheme has many advantages:

  • Higher EPC ratings, making properties easier to let
  • Lower energy bills for tenants resulting in fewer rent arrears
  • Reduced CO2 emissisions
  • Less fuel poverty for tenants

To be eligible for the scheme landlords must be replacing a working boiler which has an energy efficiency rating of 70 per cent or worse. The landlord is also expected to take responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the new heating and, when making an application, landlords should be able to produce details of a quote for replacing the old boiler with the newer system.

Another stipulation is that the new heating system must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer - or someone of a similar recognisable authority.

Further information on the Boiler Scrappage scheme and how to test your current boiler's energy efficiency, can be obtained from EST at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/landlords or by calling an adviser free on 0800 512 012.

Your landlord registration number must be supplied on the application form - see your local authority for this. Meanwhile, our own Clear Property Investment staff are also happy to provide assistance on the Boiler Scrappage scheme and other environmentally-friendly housing initiatives.

View other news from November 2010