Landlords across the UK may be able to access grants, loans and support schemes designed to improve the energy efficiency of rental properties.

Support can include insulation, heating upgrades, renewable technologies and wider energy-saving improvements designed to improve EPC ratings and reduce running costs.

Available funding differs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Depending on the scheme, support may be provided as a grant, part-funded contribution, or an interest-free loan.

Many schemes focus on properties with lower EPC ratings and, in some cases, tenant circumstances can affect eligibility.

Can Landlords Apply?

  • Yes – many energy efficiency schemes allow landlord participation
  • Rental properties with lower EPC ratings are commonly prioritised
  • Support often depends on property type, tenant circumstances and scheme requirements

Important information:

  • Some schemes require tenants to meet income or qualifying benefit criteria
  • EPC ratings of D–G are commonly targeted
  • Landlord and tenant permissions may both be required

What Improvements Could Be Included?

Depending on the scheme and property assessment, support may include:

Heating & Hot Water Improvements

  • Boiler upgrades where eligible
  • First-time central heating systems
  • Heat pumps
  • Heating controls and smart thermostats
  • Renewable heating technologies

Insulation Improvements

  • Loft insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Solid wall insulation
  • Floor insulation
  • Draught reduction measures

Renewable & Additional Measures

  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
  • External doors and windows in selected schemes
  • Energy-saving improvements linked to wider retrofit works

Which Schemes May Be Available?

ECO4 & ECO4 LA Flex – UK Wide

Support may include:

  • Heating upgrades
  • Solar PV
  • Insulation measures
  • Heat pumps

Tenant eligibility may depend on household circumstances and qualifying routes.

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

May support:

  • Loft insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Underfloor insulation

Some routes may require household or tenant eligibility requirements.

Scotland – PRS Landlord Loan

Private landlords in Scotland may access:

  • Interest-free loans of up to £15,000 per property
  • Heating improvements
  • Insulation
  • Renewable technologies
  • Smart heating systems

Telephone: Home Energy Scotland – 0808 808 2282

Northern Ireland – Affordable Warmth Scheme

Private landlords may be eligible in some circumstances.

Important information:

  • Landlords may contribute 50% of costs
  • Support can include insulation, heating improvements, windows and doors

Boiler Upgrade Scheme – England & Wales

Landlords may also qualify for:

  • Heat pump grants of up to £7,500
  • Biomass support where eligible

Support is subject to property and installer requirements.

EPC Requirements For Landlords

Current rental regulations generally require:

  • Minimum EPC rating E for rental properties

Future proposals may seek higher standards over time.

Potential future targets have included:

  • EPC C aspirations by 2030

Requirements can change and landlords should review current regulations.

How The Process Works

Step 1 – Review Property EPC Information

Check the property's EPC rating and review any recommended improvements.

Step 2 – Review Household & Tenant Eligibility

Some schemes rely on tenant income, benefits or local authority criteria.

Step 3 – Choose The Appropriate Scheme

Support routes can vary depending on where the property is located.

England & Wales: ECO4, GBIS, BUS

Scotland: ECO4, GBIS, PRS Loans, Area-Based Schemes

Northern Ireland: Affordable Warmth, NISEP

Step 4 – Application Route

Applications are usually handled through:

  • Approved installers
  • Local authorities
  • Home Energy Scotland
  • Energy suppliers

Step 5 – Installation

Approved contractors complete any agreed works.

Scheme requirements and installer standards may vary.

Additional Information For Landlords

  • Tenant consent may be required before works proceed
  • Some schemes may require landlord contributions
  • Funding arrangements vary by location
  • Eligibility rules and EPC requirements can change over time

Need Information On Current Grants & Support?

Funding arrangements and eligibility requirements regularly change.

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss current grants and support routes that may apply to rental properties and household circumstances.

Available support and scheme requirements can vary depending on property type, location and eligibility criteria.