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 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, 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
- Landlords must not increase rent directly because of the upgrades.
2. Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
The ECO scheme provides government-backed funding via energy suppliers to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes
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.
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 (for rural, off-grid properties)
Conditions:
- The property must have a valid EPC (without outstanding loft or cavity insulation recommendations).
- The grant is available once per property and is applied for by an MCS-accredited installer
- Scheme runs until 2028.
4. Great British Insulation Scheme
Open until March 2026, this national scheme helps improve insulation by qualifying homes.
Typical measures include loft, cavity or wall insulation.
Eligibility:
- Homes in council tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales)
- Either:
General Group- Based on EPC and council tax band
Low-income group- Tenants receiving qualifying benefits.
Funding usually covers one insulation measure per property, with priority given to homes where tenants are at risk of fuel poverty.
- Local and Regional Grants
Several councils and combined authorities (like Greater Manchester or West Yorkshire Combined Authority) run their own retrofit programmes for landlords.
These may include:
- Partial grants or low-interest loans for insulation and low-carbon heating.
- Free energy audits or retrofit assessments.
- Partnership funding with organisations like Lendology for tailored financial support.
Check your local council website or contact their housing or environmental team or region-specific schemes.
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 fill 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, improving comfort, compliance, and long-term property value.
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.
