Editor update: 29 October 2026
Making a rental property more energy efficient: a practical guide
Energy improvements can make a home more comfortable and reduce the energy it needs to run. The right plan depends on the building, its current condition, the people living there and the landlord’s budget. There is no single upgrade that suits every property, and improvements should not be presented as a guaranteed way to raise rent or property value.
Start with the evidence
Check the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and use its recommendations as a starting point. An EPC assesses the building using standard assumptions; it is not a promise of a particular bill saving. A qualified assessor or retrofit professional can help identify whether heat loss, the heating system, controls or ventilation should be addressed first. Older buildings may need specialist advice before insulation or window work, especially where solid walls, moisture or heritage features are involved.
For homes in England and Wales that fall within the existing private rented minimum energy-efficiency rules, the current minimum is generally EPC band E, unless a valid exemption applies. The rules do not require landlords to carry out every recommendation listed on an EPC. Check whether the property and tenancy are covered and use the government’s exemptions service where relevant. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different arrangements.
The government has announced a higher standard for the private rented sector intended to apply from 1 October 2030. The announced policy uses a fabric-performance requirement plus either a heating-system or smart-readiness metric, with a £10,000 cost cap and exemptions. Regulations are intended to bring the change into force in 2027, so landlords should check current legislation and guidance before making decisions; the future standard should not be confused with today’s existing EPC E rule.
Choose improvements in a sensible order
Begin with low-cost checks: repair obvious draughts, insulate accessible hot-water pipes, fit efficient lighting and make sure heating controls are working. Then compare the EPC recommendations with the property’s condition. Loft or cavity-wall insulation can help where suitable, but installation needs to be compatible with the building and its ventilation. Poorly planned work can contribute to damp or condensation. Do not seal a home without considering adequate ventilation and safe operation of combustion appliances.
Review the heating system as a whole. A heat pump may suit some homes, but insulation, radiator sizing, hot-water arrangements and electrical capacity affect whether a system works well. Obtain more than one detailed quote from appropriately qualified installers and ask about design, commissioning, warranties and ongoing maintenance. If the landlord supplies appliances, choose efficient models when replacement is due and keep their manuals and service records.
Plan around tenants
Explain the proposed work, likely disruption and access arrangements in advance. Agree practical timing with tenants and follow the tenancy agreement and applicable notice rules. Give residents clear instructions for new controls and ventilation equipment. Improvements should reduce discomfort rather than leave tenants without safe heating or essential facilities during works.
Check funding before budgeting
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available in England and Wales through an eligible installer. Grant values and eligibility depend on the technology and property: current guidance lists £7,500 for many heat-pump installations, with some eligible off-gas-grid installations receiving £9,000 until 31 March 2027. The installer applies the grant as a discount; it is not paid directly to the landlord. ECO4 is scheduled to end on 31 December 2026, so check the latest scheme rules and eligibility before relying on it. Funding can change and may not cover the full project cost.
A useful first step is to gather the EPC, recent energy or maintenance information, and quotes for the most relevant measures. Compare the expected comfort and energy-performance benefits with whole-life costs, disruption and maintenance. Revisit official guidance before commissioning work, because rules, grant values and eligibility can change.
Sources checked for this update: GOV.UK, Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard – landlord guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance GOV.UK, Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: government response: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update/outcome/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-government-response-html Ofgem, Boiler Upgrade Scheme: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/boiler-upgrade-scheme-bus GOV.UK, Extending the ECO4 end date: government response: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/extending-the-eco4-end-date/outcome/extending-the-eco4-end-date-government-response-html