Up to 750 landlords in Scotland can claim £400 off the cost of a new boiler from today.

The Scottish Government boiler scrappage scheme will offer cashback to encourage private landlords to install better boilers for tenants.

Installing a greener boiler will help slash average heating costs by a quarter, around £225 a year for a tenant with a three bed semi-detached house.

And it would also save around a tonne of carbon dioxide, per property, per year.

Landlords can apply for the Boiler Scrappage Scheme by calling the Scottish Government's one stop shop on home energy - the Home Energy Hotline - on 0800 512 012.

Speaking at the Scottish Association of Landlords Conference in Edinburgh today Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "With winter setting in it's a good time to ensure there is a good boiler in a property to keep fuel bills low.

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"This scheme will offset the cost of a new boiler and help landlords make their properties cost-efficient and energy-efficient for tenants.

"I want private landlords to take advantage of schemes and offers available to improve their properties.

"Importantly, this will also provide a stimulus for the heating industry, supporting jobs at this crucial time."

The scheme will be open to landlords with the most inefficient, G-rated boilers. If eligible, landlords will receive a £400 voucher towards the installation of a new boiler. The scheme will operate on a first come, first served basis. New boilers must be installed within 12 weeks of requesting the voucher.

Home Energy Scotland will issue vouchers for the boiler scrappage scheme It is the one stop shop from the Scottish Government, offering information on all Scottish Government home energy initiatives and help and expert advice on how to save energy and money in the home. The Home Energy Hotline is 0800 512 012.

The Hotline provides a range of advice on schemes for landlords. Landlords can also access interest-free loans for energy efficiency microgeneration measures through the small business loan scheme and get tax breaks through the Landlord's Energy Savings Allowance.

(GK/KMcA)