Managing housing stock isn’t easy. Rising energy bills, frequent repair requests, and tenant complaints can all signal that your properties aren’t performing as well as they should. Left unaddressed, these issues can lead to higher costs and dissatisfied tenants.
To help you spot the warning signs and take action, we spoke with Michael Zohouri, Founder of Pyramid Eco. With years of experience in sustainable housing solutions, Michael offers practical advice to help you improve efficiency, reduce costs, and create better homes for your tenants.
Skyrocketing Energy Bills
High energy bills are a clear sign that a property isn’t running efficiently. This is particularly common in older homes, where poor insulation, outdated heating systems, or single-glazed windows allow heat to escape in the winter and make it harder to cool in the summer.
For tenants, this can mean higher utility bills and a less comfortable living environment. For landlords, it can signal an urgent need for upgrades. Over time, energy inefficiency can also lead to higher maintenance costs as systems work harder to compensate.
What to Do:
Start with an energy audit to identify where your properties are losing energy. Key upgrades include loft or cavity wall insulation, double or triple glazing, and renewable heating systems like heat pumps. These changes cut energy use, meet efficiency regulations, and often qualify for local grants or funding, making them more affordable.
Improving energy efficiency can boost property value, attract eco-conscious tenants, and future-proof your properties against regulatory changes. For example, retrofitting a Victorian semi in London reduced heating emissions by 94%, halved energy use, and cost around £9,000, with a payback period of 11 years.
Non-Compliance with Modern Standards
Governments are increasingly enforcing stricter energy efficiency regulations, such as minimum EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings, to reduce carbon emissions. Housing providers who fail to upgrade their properties risk fines, decreased tenant demand, and difficulty letting or selling properties. Non-compliance can also harm your reputation, as tenants and buyers are placing greater importance on sustainability.
What to Do:
Conduct a thorough compliance check of your housing stock against both current and upcoming energy efficiency standards. Upgrading inefficient heating systems, adding renewable energy sources like solar panels, or improving insulation can help meet these requirements.
These upgrades don’t just avoid penalties — they can also significantly reduce operating costs and attract environmentally conscious tenants. As Michael Zohouri, Founder of Pyramid Eco, explains, “Upgrades like these aren’t just about meeting standards — they also make your housing more attractive to tenants who prioritise sustainability.”
Visible Signs of Damp and Mould
Housing associations are set to invest £70 billion by 2050 to upgrade insulation, heating, and other systems in existing homes, but Savills estimates an extra £36 billion will be needed to meet energy efficiency targets. These investments aim to tackle issues like damp and mould, which can harm both properties and tenants.
Damp patches, mould growth, and musty smells signal underlying problems such as poor insulation, inadequate ventilation, or leaks. These issues can lead to structural damage, costly repairs, and health risks, including respiratory problems for tenants. Ignoring them may also result in legal challenges from tenants, making prompt action essential.
What to Do:
Begin by identifying the cause of the damp or mould. Is it due to condensation from insufficient ventilation, water ingress from cracked roofing or walls, or rising damp from the ground?
Once identified, take targeted action, such as improving ventilation systems, repairing leaks, and upgrading insulation. Installing extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms or applying external wall insulation can prevent these issues from recurring.
Frequent Maintenance Requests
When maintenance requests start to pile up, it’s a clear indication that the property’s systems or materials may be outdated or failing. Persistent issues, such as leaking pipes, malfunctioning boilers, or structural cracks, often signal that quick fixes are no longer enough. These recurring problems not only drain resources but also frustrate tenants and can lead to higher vacancy rates if left unaddressed.
What to Do:
Review maintenance records to identify patterns in repairs. For instance, frequent heating issues might mean it’s time to replace an old boiler with a more reliable and energy-efficient model. Similarly, addressing ongoing roof leaks could involve a full replacement rather than patchwork repairs.
Consider a comprehensive retrofit to tackle multiple problems at once, including improving insulation, upgrading windows, and modernising heating systems. Taking a proactive approach to maintenance reduces long-term costs, extends the lifespan of your properties, and creates a more comfortable living environment for tenants.
Tenant Feedback Suggests Comfort Issues
Tenant complaints about drafty rooms, uneven heating, or poor lighting should not be ignored. These issues often point to deeper inefficiencies in the property, such as insufficient insulation, outdated heating systems, or poor window placement. Comfort is a key factor in tenant satisfaction, and unresolved issues can lead to higher turnover rates and difficulty attracting new tenants.
What to Do:
Listen to tenant feedback and use it to guide property inspections. Simple upgrades like adding loft insulation, replacing old windows with modern double glazing, or switching to LED lighting can improve comfort significantly.
For more extensive issues, consider larger retrofits like optimising layouts to maximise natural light or installing smart heating systems that provide consistent warmth throughout the property. Addressing comfort concerns improves tenant retention and boosts your property’s marketability and value. Happy tenants are more likely to stay longer and recommend your property to others, enhancing your reputation as a responsible housing provider.
A Collaborative Approach
Upgrading housing stock isn’t just about compliance or repairs — it’s about creating sustainable, comfortable homes that benefit tenants and landlords alike. Proactive improvements protect your investment, reduce operating costs, and contribute to a greener future. By acting on these five warning signs, housing professionals can ensure their properties remain competitive, desirable, and livable for years to come.