Last Updated: 11th June 2026
As energy efficiency standards continue to evolve, many landlords are asking the same question:
How can I improve my property’s EPC rating without taking on the full cost myself?
Whilst the proposed requirement for privately rented properties to achieve an EPC rating of C by 2030 is not yet law, many landlords are already exploring improvements to avoid a last-minute scramble if regulations change.
The good news? A range of grants, funding schemes and finance options may be available to help cover the cost of upgrades.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What the proposed EPC changes mean for landlords
- Which grants and funding schemes are available
- How to identify the right option for your property
- What to do if grants don’t cover the full cost
Do Landlords Need to Reach EPC C?
Currently, privately rented homes in England and Wales must have a minimum EPC rating of E, unless an exemption applies.
The government has proposed that rental properties should achieve EPC C by 2030, although details remain subject to consultation and future legislation.
For landlords, this means now is a sensible time to understand:
- Your property’s current EPC rating
- What improvements may be required
- The likely cost of those improvements
- Whether funding support is available.
The earlier you start planning, the more options that may be available.
What EPC Funding is Available for Landlords?
Several schemes can help reduce the cost of improving a property’s energy efficiency. The most suitable option will depend on factors such as:
- Your properties EPC rating.
- Your tenant’s circumstances
- The type of improvements required
- Your local authority area
Warm Homes: Local Grant
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is one of the largest funding programmes currently available.
Depending on eligibility, support may be available for:
- Insulation upgrades
- Windows and doors
- Ventilation improvements
- Heat pumps and other low-carbon heating systems
Funding of up to £30,000 may be available for a first qualifying rental property, with support for additional properties subject to scheme rules and local authority requirements.
Typical eligibility includes:
- Properties rated EPC D-G
- Low-income households
- Eligible postcode areas.
As delivery is managed locally, funding levels and conditions can vary.
ECO4: (Energy Company Obligation)
ECO4 helps improve the energy efficiency of homes occupied by lower-income households.
Funding has been extended to 31st December 2026 and is usually linked to household income, qualifying benefits or local authority flexible eligibility schemes.
For some projects, landlords may be asked to contribute to the overall cost.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme supports the installation of low-carbon heating systems.
As of June 2026, the grant levels are:
- £7,500 toward air source heat pumps
- £7,500 toward ground source heat pumps
- £7,500 towards water source heat pumps
- £5,000 towards eligible biomass systems in certain off-gas-grid properties.
The UK government has also announced that the grant available for homeowners replacing oil or LPG heating systems with an air source heat pump will increase from £7,500 to £9,000. The increase is expected to come into effect over the summer and s intended to make low carbon heating upgrades accessible to more households.
Applications are normally handled by an MCS-accredited installer on behalf of the property owner.
Which Funding Option is Right for your Property?
Every property is different.
For example:
- A property with poor insulation may benefit most from Warm Homes or ECO4 funding.
- A property already performing reasonably well but relying on an older fossil-fuel heating system may be better suited to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- Properties requiring multiple improvements may need a combination of grant funding and additional finance.
This is why a retrofit assessment is often the best place to start.
A qualified assessor can identify the improvements likely to deliver the greatest impact for your budget.
What If EPC Grants Don’t Cover Everything?
One challenge many landlords face is that grants do not always cover the full cost of a retrofit project.
This can be particularly true where:
- Multiple improvements are needed
- You own several rental properties
- The property requires specialist work
- Funding caps apply
In these situations, some landlords choose to combine grant funding with additional finance to help manage the cost of improvements over time.
How to Prepare Before Applying
Before applying for any funding scheme, it’s worth taking a few practical steps.
1. Check Your EPC
Understand your current rating and any recommendations already identified – find your score
2. Arrange a Retrofit Assessment
A professional assessment can help identify the most effective upgrades for your property.
3. Review Tenant Eligibility
Many schemes take household income or benefit status into account.
4. Gather Quotes
Funding providers often require quotations from accredited installers.
5. Keep Records
Maintain copies of:
- EPC certificates
- Invoices
- Ownership documents
- Tenancy agreements
- Grant approvals
Good record keeping can help support future compliance requirements.
Funding Energy Efficiency Improvements with Lendology
At Lendology, our mission is to provide lending solutions that support environmental and social impact.
Where grant funding does not cover the full cost of improvements, additional finance may help landlords spread the cost of energy efficiency upgrades across monthly repayments.
Depending on your circumstances, finance may be used to support:
- Insulation improvements
- Heating upgrades
- Renewable energy measures
- Wider home improvement projects
Our team can help you understand the options available and whether a Lendology loan may be suitable for your project.
Representative Example (4% fixed interest rate, Representative 4.2% APR)
Borrow £5,000 over 60 months, £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,44.96.
Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction.
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 not a mortgage. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future.
