LANDLORDS in a borough who fail to provide properly insulated homes for their tenants face a new crackdown.

Burnley Council has been given £44,600 by the government to employ a officer to enforce new regulations aimed at ensuring privately-rented properties are warm enough.

They must meet a minimum energy performance rating of EPC Band E, making it illegal to rent out homes below that standard.

Landlords caught failing to fulfil their obligations can be fined £5,000.

The rule change is expected to prompt energy efficiency upgrades including loft insulation, double glazing and cavity wall insulation installed by landlords with an estimated average bill saving to tenants of £180 a year.

Cllr John Harbour, the Burnley Council’s housing boss, said: “The vast majority of landlords ensure that the homes they rent out are warm and properly insulated so that their tenants don’t face astronomical energy bills.

“This is even more important as everyone is facing rising gas prices.

“However, there are some landlords who simply don’t care and don’t look after their properties and their tenants pay the price by having to live in cold, damp homes that cost a fortune to heat.

"It’s those landlords we will be targeting to ensure their tenants have a warm and energy efficient home.”