TrustMark has launched a pilot to improve the quality and energy efficiency of rented accommodation within Hastings and its surrounding area.
The initiative, Better Homes for Hastings, will kick off with an event hosted in partnership with Hastings Borough Council today, 15th March. It will bring together private landlords, housing associations, tenants and businesses, including TrustMark-registered trades businesses in the Hastings area to promote the minimum standards of safety, comfort, health and energy efficiency that these properties should ideally meet.
Private landlords, housing associations and letting agents will also have the opportunity to learn about the incoming regulations relating to energy efficiency standards in rental properties, as well as connect them with reputable businesses and tradespeople to help ensure their properties meet these requirements.
Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, said: “We are really excited to be working in collaboration with East Sussex Trading Standards and Hastings Borough Council on this project and to have the opportunity to educate both landlords and tenants on the importance of improving the quality of rented homes, particularly when it is detrimental to good health. Tenants and landlords need to be confident that the tradespeople they employ to carry out any work on their properties meet the required industry standards – by using a TrustMark Registered Business they can be sure that the tradespeople have been vetted to ensure levels of technical competency, customer service and trading practices and are in accordance with Government Endorsed Quality. Together, we will work to drive standards upwards and enhance the safety, comfort, health and energy efficiency of Hastings rental properties.”
For further information about TrustMark, visit trustmark.org.uk
