Improving energy efficiency in private rented properties is a hot topic across Liverpool, Merseyside, and West Lancashire. With rising energy costs and increasing government initiatives, both tenants and landlords now have access to free energy grants that can transform properties into more sustainable, cost-effective homes. However, understanding who is eligible and how to apply is key to making the most of these opportunities.
Understanding the Roles of Tenants and Landlords and who can get Free Energy Grants
Tenant Limitations on Boiler Grants
Tenants should note that when it comes to applying for new boiler grants, they cannot do so independently without their landlord’s permission. This is because the installation process can involve significant modifications to the property and often requires preparatory work to ensure a safe and effective setup. As a result, any application for a new boiler grant must be coordinated with the landlord, who typically handles the payment and logistical aspects of the installation.
Landlord Involvement
For privately rented properties, the landlord is central to securing funding for major energy upgrades. In most cases, the grant schemes cover the full installation costs, meaning tenants do not need to contribute financially. When a landlord is proactive, these grants not only boost the property’s energy performance but also help meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) without the landlord having to invest their own funds.
Available Boiler and Energy Efficiency Grants
Boiler Grants for Tenants
There were several grant schemes available that offer new boiler installations or upgrades, including:
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
While these grants cover the installation and, in most cases, the cost of the new boiler, tenants should always ensure they have the required landlord approval before proceeding. However, new legislation provided tenants with energy grants through local council schemes through a Warm Homes Grant
Affordable Warmth Obligation
Previously, schemes went beyond boiler-specific grants, the Affordable Warmth Obligation—part of ECO—provided support for replacing or repairing boilers, along with other improvements to enhance home energy savings. Eligibility under this scheme generally requires:
- Living in private housing (either owning or renting)
- Having the landlord’s permission if renting
- Receiving benefits such as Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance, or Child Benefit, or living in social housing with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated E, F, or G
Broader Energy-Saving Measures
The grant schemes often cover up to 100% of the funding for a range of energy-saving measures, including:
- Electric Storage Heaters: Ideal for properties currently using electric room or storage heaters or lacking heating entirely.
- Cavity Wall and Loft Insulation: Available for properties with various heating setups, including electric and solid fuel systems.
- Internal Wall Insulation: For properties with solid or cavity walls.
- Gas Central Heating: Provided the property does not already have central heating and is close to an existing mains gas supply.
- Room in Roof Insulation: Specifically for attic bedrooms with sloping ceilings
Note: Properties already equipped with Mains Gas or Oil Central Heating are generally not eligible for these particular grants, and funding is not available for replacing existing boilers in rental properties.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
For Tenants
Tenants residing in properties with electric or solid fuel heating—and who receive qualifying benefits—may apply for funding. Qualifying benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Income Support
For properties with tenants claiming Child Benefit, additional income thresholds apply, ensuring that the support reaches those most in need.
For Landlords
Landlords of privately rented properties can also apply for government-backed grants. Not only does this initiative help reduce tenants’ energy bills, but it also assists in meeting regulatory standards such as MEES. By upgrading the property’s energy performance, landlords may enhance the value of their assets while contributing to environmental sustainability.
The Application Process
Both tenants and landlords can begin their application by visiting this government webiste. The process is straightforward:
- Eligibility Check: Complete the Eligibility Grant checker on the website.
- Grants Advisor Consultation: A grants advisor will contact you to discuss your property and identify potential energy-saving measures.
- Retrofit Assessment: A free, no-obligation energy assessment is arranged by a retrofit assessor to evaluate the property’s current performance and needs.
- EPC Arrangements: If your property lacks a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), arrangements can be made for a new EPC following the installation of approved measures.
This streamlined process ensures that energy efficiency upgrades can be applied for quickly and effectively, benefiting both property owners and tenants.
Upcoming Government Initiatives
Looking ahead to 2025, two new government grant schemes are set to bolster energy efficiency across the UK:
Warm Homes Grant
- Target Audience: Low-income households in England, including privately rented properties.
- Scope: Offers energy performance upgrades and low carbon heating, provided the property has an EPC rating between D and G.
- Funding: Allocated as part of the Autumn Budget, with local authorities administering the scheme.
- Sefton Landlords and Tenants can apply for grants here at Sefton council warmer homes grants
- Liverpool Landlords and Tenants can apply for grants here at Liverpool council warmer homes grants
- West Lancashire Landlords and Tenants can apply for grants here at West Lancs Council Grants
Home Upgrade Grant 2 (HUG2)
- Eligibility: Designed for residents with off-grid gas heating systems, HUG2 is available to private tenants, landlords, and homeowners.
- Focus: Tailored to assist those most impacted by high energy bills, with eligibility criteria varying by local council.
- Additional Info: More details can be found on local council websites or the GOV.UK portal.
Both schemes are geared toward reducing energy costs, lowering carbon footprints, and upgrading the overall performance of homes across regions such as Liverpool, Merseyside, and West Lancashire.
The government’s energy grant schemes present a significant opportunity for both landlords and tenants. For landlords, these grants mean modernizing properties without upfront investment, while tenants can benefit from reduced energy bills and improved living conditions. If you’re in a private rented property, ensure you work closely with your landlord to explore all available funding options and make your home more energy efficient. For more detailed guidance, local council websites and the GOV.UK portal are excellent resources to help navigate eligibility and application processes.
By embracing these initiatives, properties across Liverpool, Merseyside, and West Lancashire can move towards a greener, more sustainable future while easing the financial burden of high energy costs.
Contact Eden Energy EPC Solutions to start the tenant process and apply for your energy grant. Call us on 07312274390 or send us a message here.