From government schemes to local council support and Lendology loans, discover what financial support is available for landlords upgrading to EPC C.
The push for better energy efficiency in the private rented sector is gaining pace. As the government looks ahead to stricter EPC rules, landlords are under increasing pressure to make improvements, and to do so affordably.
The good news? A range of grants, local funding schemes and responsible lending options are now available to help landlords cover the cost of energy upgrades and prepare for the potential road to EPC C.
New EPC Changes for Landlords
Currently, all private rented homes in England and Wales must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above. However, as the government tighten requirements, it is proposed that all landlords will have to meet EPC C standards by 2030 (with exemptions). Please see here for more detail about what is changing and why.
Available EPC Grants and Funding for Landlords in 2025-26.
1. Warm Homes: Local Grant (England)
Open: April 2025-March 2028
A flagship national scheme offering:
- Grants of up to £30,000 for improvements to a landlord’s first rental property
- Up to £15,000 for additional properties.
Funding covers both:
- Energy Performance Upgrades (e.g. insulation, windows, lighting, etc.) up to £15,000.
- Low-carbon Heating Systems (e.g. heat pumps, biomass, etc.) up to £15,000
Eligibility Includes:
- Properties rated EPC D-G
- Tenants with household incomes below £36,000 or receiving Universal Credit/housing benefit.
- Homes located in eligible postcodes identified by DESNZ
- Some schemes may place conditions on rent increases following improvements, depending on local authority rules.
Funding levels, eligibility and conditions may vary depending on your local authority and scheme delivery.
2. Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
The ECO scheme provides government-backed funding via energy suppliers to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes. As announced in the November 2025 budget, ECO4 is ending and at this moment in time, it is not being replaced by an alternative scheme.
However, the government has confirmed that ECO4 will be extended until 31st December 2026.
Focus: Whole house retrofit, insulation, and heating system upgrades.
Eligibility:
- At least one tenant receives means-tested benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support).
- OR household income under £31,000, particularly where a child or vulnerable person lives in the property.
- Local councils or energy suppliers can nominate eligible properties through a Statement of Intent.
This makes ECO one of the most flexible options for private landlords whose tenants are on lower incomes. In some cases, landlords may be required to contribute towards the costs of improvements.
3. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Designed to replace fossil fuel systems with low-carbon alternatives, this scheme provides upfront grants for landlords and homeowners in England and Wales.
Grant Amounts:
- £7,500 for air source, ground source, or water source heat pumps
- £5,000 for biomass boilers (biomass boilers are typically only available for rural, off-gas grid properties in specific circumstances)
Conditions:
- The property must have a valid EPC, and must not have outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation (unless exempt)
- The grant is available once per property and is applied for by an MCS-accredited installer
- Scheme runs until 2028.
Essential Steps Before Applying
Before applying for any grant or loan:
✅ Get an independent retrofit assessment to understand the best works for your property and your budget.
✅ Check your property’s current EPC rating
✅ Assess tenant eligibility (income or benefits)
✅ Understand restrictions on rent increases or conditions for landlords
✅ Check scheme availability in your local area
✅ Confirm cost caps and landlord contribution requirements.
How to Access Support: A Quick Checklist
- Check your EPC rating – find your score here
- Identify target rating and upgrades needed
- Check eligibility for grants (Warm Homes, ECO, BUS, GBIS)
- Get quotes from TrustMark or MCS-accredited installers
- Apply for grants or combine with a Lendology loan
- Keep records: invoices, EPCs before and after, proof of ownership, tenancy agreements
- Notify tenants and keep compliance records for letting agents or council inspections
Top tip:
Start early — funding windows can be competitive, and combining grants with responsible lending can help cover multiple properties or more complex retrofits.
What funding is available for Landlords?
Lendology’s mission is to provide dynamic lending solutions for environmental and social impact- especially home improvement and energy efficiency upgrades.
If you don’t fully qualify for grants, or need additional funds to complete your retrofit, Lendology could help bridge the gap responsibly.
You can find out more about our Home Improvement Loans and Energy Efficiency Loans pages or speak directly with our friendly team to explore available options.
Take Action Now
EPC Regulations are tightening, but support is out there. Whether through national schemes like Warm Homes Local, or local partnerships with Lendology, landlords can make meaningful upgrades now, helping to improve comfort and support compliance with potential future standards.
Next Steps:
- Check your EPC rating today
- Book an independent retrofit assessment
- Explore government and local schemes
- Complete a Lendology enquiry form to discuss how a council-backed loan can help bridge the gap.
We recommend that you carry out an independent retrofit assessment to find out which works are suitable for your home and budget.
Representative Example (4% fixed interest rate, 4.2% APR)
Borrow £10,000 over 120 months, monthly repayments of £101.25. Total amount repayable £12,150.
Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future.
A Title Restriction means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid.
This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC
The information in this article is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute financial advice. You should consider your own circumstances and seek independent advice if needed before making any financial decisions.
