Green landlords to receive tax boosts

Private landlords should make use of new tax breaks designed to benefit buy-to-let owners, property experts have claimed.

According to the National Landlords Association (NLA), the Landlord's Energy Saving Allowance (Lesa) will allow landlords to claim back the cost of green items in their properties.

David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, urged landlords to take the opportunity to make a number of necessary amendments to their homes.

"The NLA encourages its members to invest in maintaining and improving the quality of their properties," he said. "Lesa is a welcome incentive for landlords to encourage them to make the necessary energy efficiency improvements."

"As well as contributing to the overall efforts by society to combat climate change, landlords may see an increase in the value of their investment as a result of energy efficiency improvements.

Mr Salusbury added: "We are pleased that the government has chosen to offer incentives to landlords instead of regulation and would urge landlords to use the tax break or, perhaps, risk losing it in the future."

Under the proposals landlords will be able to claim a maximum of £1,500 per property against the cost of making green improvements.