There is a common assumption that free energy grants are only for homeowners. That assumption is costing a lot of people a lot of money. Tenants living in cold, expensive-to-heat rented homes and landlords sitting on properties with poor energy ratings are both missing out on funding they are fully entitled to, simply because nobody told them it was available.

The private rented sector is one of the most energy-inefficient parts of the UK’s housing stock. Millions of people in privately rented homes live with draughty walls, outdated heating systems, and energy bills that should not be nearly as high as they are. ECO4 exists, in part, specifically to change that. And the rules around how it applies to the private rented sector are far more accessible than most people realise.

Whether you are a tenant tired of overpaying on energy or a landlord looking to improve your property without spending a fortune, this guide explains exactly what is on offer, how it works, and how to access it with the help of Warm Homes Grants at warmhomesgrants.uk.

Why the Private Rented Sector Has a Bigger Energy Problem

Cold Homes, High Bills, and a Responsibility Gap

Walk down most residential streets in the UK, and the privately rented homes are often the ones with the lowest EPC ratings. There is a well-documented reason for this. Landlords historically had little financial incentive to invest in energy efficiency because they do not pay the energy bills. Their tenants do. 

Tenants, on the other hand, have no power to upgrade a property they do not own. The result is a responsibility gap that has left the private rented sector lagging behind owner-occupied housing for decades.

ECO4 directly addresses this gap. It makes funding available for rented properties in a way that removes the financial barrier for landlords and ensures tenants benefit from lower bills as a direct result. Both sides of the relationship gain something, which is exactly why uptake in the private rented sector has been growing steadily since ECO4 launched.

What Is in It for Landlords, and What Is in It for Tenants?

For Landlords

• Free or heavily subsidised property upgrades worth thousands of pounds
• Higher EPC rating, increasingly essential as MEES regulations tighten
• More attractive property for quality long-term tenants
• Reduced risk of void periods in a competitive rental market
• Compliance with the upcoming minimum energy efficiency standards
• No disruption costs, installers manage the whole process

For Tenants

• Significantly lower energy bills, sometimes by hundreds per year
• A warmer, more comfortable home throughout winter
• Better air quality from improved insulation and ventilation
• No personal cost, the grant covers everything
• No need to move to get a better-quality home
• Health benefits from living in a consistently warm property

What Upgrades Are Available for Rented Properties?

ECO4 covers a wide range of energy-saving measures for eligible properties in the private rented sector. The specific criteria available depend on the property’s current condition and EPC rating.

• Cavity Wall Insulation
• Loft Insulation
• Heat Pump Installation
• Solar Panels
• Smart Heating Controls
• Solid Wall Insulation

Key point for landlords: From 2025 onwards, the government has been tightening Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the private rented sector. Properties that do not meet the required EPC rating may face restrictions on new tenancies. ECO4 funding offers landlords a direct, low-cost route to compliance before those deadlines hit.

Does the Landlord Have to Agree Before a Tenant Can Apply?

Yes, because the property belongs to the landlord, their consent is needed before any installation work can go ahead. This is one area where many tenants feel stuck, and understandably so. But the reality is that once landlords understand what is on offer, most agree quickly. The upgrades add value to their asset, cost them little or nothing, and keep their tenants happy.

If you are a tenant interested in applying, the process usually involves your landlord being contacted, given details of the scheme, and asked to sign a brief agreement. The installation team handles everything from there. At Warm Homes Grants, we guide both tenants and landlords through this process so it moves as smoothly as possible.

How Does the Process Actually Work?

1 Check Your Eligibility

Visit warmhomesgrants.uk and run a free eligibility check. It takes a few minutes and tells you straight away whether your household and property may qualify under ECO4 or the local grant scheme.

2 Property Assessment

A registered assessor visits the property to check its current energy performance and identify which measures would make the most significant difference to bills and comfort. Which is something everyone wants.

3 Landlord Sign-Off

If you are a tenant, your landlord is contacted and asked to confirm that they agree to the improvements being carried out. This step is usually quick and straightforward once the benefits are explained.

4 Installation

Approved, registered installers carry out the work. Most jobs are completed within one to two days with minimal disruption to the household.

5 Lower Bills from Day One

Once the upgrades are in place, both the tenant and the landlord benefit immediately from a warmer property, an improved EPC rating, and noticeably reduced energy costs.

Not sure if your rented home qualifies? At Warm Homes Grants, we help tenants and landlords across the UK check eligibility quickly, for free, and without any obligation. Visit warmhomesgrants.uk today. It takes just a few minutes to find out what support may be available for your property.

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