The government-endorsed quality scheme TrustMark has launched a new pilot to boost energy efficiency standards in rented accommodation. Together with East Sussex Trading Standards, the scheme started the Better Homes for Hastings initiative earlier this month.

The initiative was launched with an event at Sussex Coast College Hastings on March 15th in partnership with Hastings Borough Council. Attendees included landlords, tenants, housing associations and businesses, including TrustMark Registered Businesses.

The new pilot aims to promote minimum standards for properties to meet, covering issues such as safety, health and energy efficiency. The event offered education on tenant rights, as well as addressing fuel poverty through the promotion of energy efficiency. Information for landlords, lettings agents and housing associations was also provided, aiming to educate them on new energy efficiency regulation standards for rented properties. There were opportunities for them to be connected to businesses and tradespeople to give them the resources they need to meet these standards too.

When using a TrustMark Registered Businesses, property owners can be sure that they are using a service that they can trust. It’s important for landlords, housing managers and lettings agents to know that the businesses that they rely on are trustworthy and that they can carry out their work to the correct standards. TrustMark Registered Businesses have been vetted to ensure they meet these standards in areas such as trading practices, technical competency and customer service.

Chief executive of TrustMark, Simon Ayers, said that: “Together, we will work to drive standards upwards and enhance the safety, comfort, health and energy efficiency of Hastings rental properties.”