As with any new government scheme that promises to save landlords money, the devil is in the detail. And getting the details can be a challenge.

No prizes for guessing
The 'Green Deal' has been three years in the making and was launched in January this year. It promised to save landlords the costs of installing energy efficient measures while at the same time saving tenant's money on their energy bills.

The first tentacles of press releases I received were in late-2012. Landlords could apply for loans for installing anything from a new central heating system to loft insulation. I have in the past taken advantage of local council energy measures such as Lambeth's energy efficient scheme. Five years ago a new gas central heating system was installed to the tune of £4,000 paid by them, on the condition I rented the property out for five years. The loan was interest free payable upon the sale of the property or when the term expired. This was a clean-cut agreement with no unanswered questions and, in my view, a great deal for me.