Grants available for Landlords to improve your rented homes
Landlords can improve the energy efficiency of their rented properties through the ECO4 scheme. If your tenant is receiving a qualifying benefit, you may be eligible for a grant to cover the cost of energy efficiency improvements. Working with Landlords – PTS Energy Solutions https://ptsenergy.co.uk
What energy efficiency grants are available for landlords?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came in to effect in April 2018 and means that all rented properties must now have a minimum energy efficiency rating of band ‘E’ unless exempted.
However, from 2025, all properties rented on new tenancies must meet a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band ‘C’ and properties with existing tenants must be brought up to this standard by 2028. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £30,000.
In fact, the ECO4 scheme says that all Band ‘E’ rated properties must reach a minimum Band ‘C’ after installation of energy efficiency measures.
These changes are in line with the Government’s net zero emissions by 2050 targets and will also apply to properties which are being sold from 2035.
How can we help?
If your tenant is receiving one of the benefits listed below your property will be eligible for a grant to improve your property.
The qualifying benefits under the ECO4 scheme are:
My tenant is not receiving one of these benefits, can I be helped?
Up to 50% of energy efficiency measures installed in England, Wales and Scotland can be completed through the ECO4 Flex scheme and is for households whose combined gross income is below £31,000 per year or if a member of the household has certain health conditions which would make them vulnerable to the cold.
The ECO4 Flex scheme is administered by Local Authorities who are responsible for rolling it out in your area and they will verify your income or health eligibility. It is rolling out slowly and is expected to be fully live by April 2023.
We will check as part of your application if your area is now open for applications.
Are there any other criteria?
As well as being in receipt of a qualifying benefit or qualify through the Flex route (more on that below), your home must also be in one of the lower energy efficiency bands as follows:
- Owner Occupier: Your home must be in an EPC Band D, E, F or G
- Rented Property: Your home must be in an EPC Band E, F, or G
- Social Housing: Your home must be in an EPC Band E, F or G although there are some measures available if you are in a Band D property
I don’t know my EPC band
Don’t worry, if you don’t know your EPC band we can check it for you very quickly or you can visit the GOV.UK website which keeps a central register by clicking here.
If your home doesn’t have an EPC one will be completed as part of the application process for free.
Free insulation and energy efficiency grants
As the cost of living crisis continues, we believe that insulation should be available for all.
We specialise in installing insulation for free and we are proud to work with a number of the largest utilities to provide non-repayable grants which usually covers the full cost of install.
These grants are made through the ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) scheme and are non-repayable. ECO4 is a legal obligation on the largest energy companies to the installation of energy reducing products.