UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / July 10, 2025 / Many landlords assume their properties are ineligible for government-funded energy efficiency upgrades simply because they are privately rented. But in fact, several major schemes are open to landlords provided their tenants meet certain criteria. Energy Saving Genie, the UK’s leading energy grant support platform, is encouraging landlords to explore the support that’s currently available, as grants can significantly improve the energy efficiency of rental properties - and quality of life of the tenant - at little or no cost.

Financial assistance in the form of grants is available across many parts of the UK for a wide range of energy-related home improvements, including solid wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, first-time central heating, roof and floor insulation, renewable heating systems, and connections to district heating networks. These measures are offered under schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), which aim to reduce household energy use and cut carbon emissions.

“Energy efficiency shouldn’t be a luxury,” said Kate Hallewell, Founder of Energy Saving Genie. “Landlords have a real opportunity to improve the standard of their properties while at the same time making a genuine difference to tenants’ lives, especially those who are vulnerable or struggling with rising energy bills. With Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) set to tighten by 2030, grants like ECO4 and GBIS can help landlords future-proof their properties without absorbing the full cost themselves.” 

The reason why many rental properties can be improved through government grants is that eligibility for schemes such as the ECO4 and GBIS is based on tenant circumstances rather than the circumstances of the landlord themselves. Under ECO4, privately rented homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F, or G can qualify if the tenant meets the eligibility criteria through receiving benefits or being vulnerable. Improvements must be carried out with landlord consent, but tenants can begin the application process themselves.

Similarly, GBIS is available for rented homes with an EPC rating between D and G, located in Council Tax bands A to D in England (or A to E in Scotland and Wales). The tenant must fall within a low income or vulnerable category to meet the eligibility criteria. Once again, the landlord’s permission is required, but the application can be initiated by the tenant themselves. 

To simplify the process, Energy Saving Genie offers a free online grant checker for landlords. It only takes a few minutes to find out if a property could qualify, and many landlords are surprised to learn how accessible funding can be.

To check eligibility for government energy efficiency grants, visit: energysavinggenie.co.uk/ECO4-Grant-Checker/quiz-home.html