According to a recent survey many tenants would be  willing to pay more for greener homes.

The survey by Lettingaproperty saw 98 per cent of respondents reveal that they would prefer a home optimised to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and minimise environmental impact.

While 53 per cent said they were prepared to pay more for a greener property, with just over a half of these willingly to pay 10 per cent more rent. A further third would accept a five per cent rent increase.

One in 12 even said they would accept a 20 per cent rise.

Lettingaproperty founder Jonathan Daines explained: “We’ve heard a lot recently about the cost to landlords of making their properties greener, from replacing gas boilers with heat pumps to installing insulation.

“This survey has revealed that tenants are prepared to play their part too, with over half of renters happy to pay more for greener homes. It is overwhelmingly clear that tenants are demanding greener choices than the rental sector currently offers.”

The vast majority of renters - 85 per cent - were happy to consider a ‘green lease’ as part of the solution to level up the rental sector’s sustainability credentials. Green leases include clauses designed to ensure the tenant and landlord work together to improve the home’s energy efficiency, while reducing costs and environmental impact.

The survey also suggested that tenants already expect their rental homes to deliver on a number of fronts when it comes to sustainability. Ninety five per cent of those responding expect their property to have double glazing and 92 per cent expect it to have loft or wall insulation.

Technology was also a major part of the conversation with 56 per cent of renters expect smart meters and 38 per cent expect smart thermostats. Precisely half expect dual flush toilets, while 26 per cent expect solar panels and ground source heating. Another 92 per cent expect recycling bins as standard, while 73 per cent expect LED lightbulbs throughout a property.