The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has welcomed new rules announced by the government making it illegal for landlords to rent out the most energy inefficient homes.

From April 2018, landlords will be required by law to get their leakiest properties to an energy efficiency rating of at least Band 'E'. Estimates suggest that, on average, the difference in a heating bill from the least energy efficient properties and those with an energy rating Band 'E' is £880.

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From April 2016, landlords of privately rented homes will also be required to accept reasonable requests from tenants for energy efficiency measures to be installed.

John Alker, Acting CEO of the UK Green Building Council, said: "This could be the single most significant piece of legislation to affect our existing building stock in a generation, affecting a huge swathe of rented properties. Government deserves huge credit for sticking to its guns."

(CD/JP)