Most private renters do not know the energy efficiency rating of their home, new research from the TDS Charitable Foundation found.
Over half (60%) of those asked said they were unaware of the current standard their landlord must meet.
Half of tenants did not know what standard landlords currently have to meet.
Only 58% remembered getting a copy of the energy performance certificate (EPC), even though landlords must provide it by law.
Over half (57%) were not aware they could report their landlord to the local council if the property did not meet the required standard.
Around 37% said they struggled to afford their energy bills.
Nearly two thirds (64%) said they would pay a bit more rent for a property with better energy efficiency if it meant lower bills.
The TDS charitable foundation warned that without a proper awareness campaign, the Government’s new proposals could fail.
Jennifer Harris, head of policy and research at TDS group, said: “Warm, safe, housing should be the bedrock of a modern rental market.
“However, too few tenants are clear about the energy efficiency standards their landlords should be meeting.
“The Government must avoid the temptation to think that simply changing laws to require higher standards is job done.”
Harris added: “It needs to be backed up by a major campaign to ensure tenants have all the information they need to hold their landlords to account.”
