Yes, Landlords Can Access Free Energy Grants
Landlords can get free energy improvements for rental properties through ECO4 — it's the tenant's benefit status that matters, not the landlord's income. If your tenant receives qualifying benefits and the property has a low EPC, the upgrades are fully funded.
How ECO4 Works for Landlords
- Your tenant must receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, etc.)
- The property must have an EPC of D or below
- You provide written landlord consent for the work
- Installation is carried out at zero cost to you or your tenant
This is a win-win: your tenant gets lower bills, you get a higher EPC rating, and it costs neither of you anything.
MEES Compliance: Why This Matters
Since April 2020, rental properties must have an EPC of E or above to be legally let. The government has proposed raising this to EPC C by 2028. If your rental has a D, E, F, or G rating, ECO4 can upgrade it for free — saving you thousands in compliance costs.
What Landlords Can Get Free
- Loft insulation (EPC boost: 1-2 bands)
- Cavity wall insulation (EPC boost: 1-2 bands)
- Boiler replacement (EPC boost: 1 band)
- Solar panels (EPC boost: 1-2 bands)
- External wall insulation (EPC boost: 2-3 bands)
GBIS for Landlords (No Tenant Benefits Needed)
If your tenant doesn't receive benefits, GBIS still covers free insulation for properties in council tax bands A-D. No means testing at all.
The Business Case
- Free EPC upgrade — avoid £5,000-15,000 in self-funded improvements
- Higher rent potential — energy-efficient homes command higher rents
- MEES compliance — get ahead of the 2028 EPC C requirement
- Tenant retention — lower bills = happier tenants who stay longer
- Property value — higher EPC = higher valuation
Get Your Rental Properties Assessed
Check eligibility for each of your rental properties. You can apply for multiple properties separately.