LANDLORDS who rent out homes that are not properly heated or insulated can now be fined by Oxford City Council, as well as Oxfordshire County Council.

Powers for enforcing energy performance regulations for rented homes was delegated to the city council and surrounding district councils by the county council’s cabinet yesterday.

The powers to fine landlords who do not keep houses properly insulated and heated is usually the duty of a higher authority like the county council.

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But due to the increasing numbers of people living in rented homes, councillors approved the measure, allowing smaller authorities to enforce energy regulations.

A report to council said the city and district councils in Oxfordshire will be able to add the cash to their coffers, rather than passing it onto the county.

The regulations these councils can now enforce are around the legal requirements for Energy Performance Certificates.

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This document shows how energy efficient a home is, on a sliding scale.

The cabinet said the move to hand powers to other councils would simplify the way rented houses are monitored.

Despite delegating the powers to other councils, the county council will still be able to use them and issue fines to rogue landlords as well.

The move comes as the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy works on a project to improve energy efficiency in houses across Oxfordshire.