Generation Rent is calling on the government to increase minimum energy efficiency standards for landlords.

The campaign group wants ministers to raise the minimum energy performance rating for rental properties from E to C.

It argues that tenants living in properties that are below this standard should be able to claim back rent.

Generation Rent says that the government’s Green Homes Grant has been blighted by administrative problems and low take-up.

It wants to see a new register set up so that tenants can check whether their landlords are compliant and request improvements.

Generation Rent urges the government to put in place restrictions to prevent landlords evicting tenants or raising rents following a request for improvements to the property.

The renters rights group says that a home rated C is £748 cheaper to heat per year than a home rated E and tenants are less likely to face damp or mould issues.

It argues that its proposals would benefit two-thirds of private renters who currently live in homes rated D or below.

The group says that a third of homes rated D or below are rented, but by November just 14 per cent of applications for the Green Homes Grant were from landlords.

Generation Rent deputy director Dan Wilson Craw says: “No one has much of an incentive to make rented homes greener – landlords are in control but don’t pay the bills, while renters won’t make demands if it means the rent might go up. 

“If the government is serious about reducing the carbon emissions from our homes, it must use a stick in the form of higher minimum standards for landlords, but also give renters a carrot in the form of stronger rights.

“Renters who are more secure in their home and can claim back rent from an offending landlord will be able to enforce their rights to a warmer home and drive the green revolution.”

A government spokesperson says: “We are working to upgrade as many private rented sector homes as possible to Energy Performance Certificate Band C by 2030, which will reduce energy bills and ensure warmer homes.

“We’re bringing forward legislation to deliver a better deal for renters, including ending Section 21 evictions.”