When it comes to council tenants and private tenants, these grants and what’s available can become confusing. Energy costs are still rising, and they will likely continue to do so for quite some time. The recent price cap announcement of a 6% rise on the first of April 2025 will see families paying £1,849 a year on energy bills, based on an average household.
Right now is the time for tenants to look for ways to save money on their bills by improving their home’s energy efficiency.
Good news! The government has offered a number of energy grants aimed at council and private tenants to help with free energy upgrades.
What Energy Grants are there for Council Tenants?
Those living in a council property can apply for a number of available grants; however, eligibility depends on the specific scheme.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
Social tenants applying for ECO4 will find that their properties need to have an EPC rating E, F, or G. Insulation, first-time central heating, renewable energy heating, and smart heating controls are all included. However, this does require permission from local councils.
ECO4 Flex Scheme
LA Flex or ECO4 Flex presents four different options for grant qualification. You can find more about these different routes by clicking here.
It is designed to help non-benefit households who could still qualify for home upgrades. Requirements include:
- Your household is not in receipt of one of the qualifying ECO4 benefits.
- The local council authority has signed up for the Flex Scheme.
Great British Insulation Scheme
You could apply for this grant through your council under the ECO Flex scheme and may qualify depending on your property’s EPC rating and whether you meet two of the following of the qualifying criteria: age, health, low income, and location.
- Available if you live in council tax bands A to D.
- Home EPC rating of D or below.
- Contact your local council to see if they are participating.
Local Authority Based Grants
Certain councils offer their own grants for improving home energy efficiency. Contacting your council is the best course of action to find out if they offer any upgrades, as there may already be plans in place for better efficiency.
What Energy Grants are Available for Private Tenants?
If private tenants want to upgrade their property by applying for energy grants. they can do so, but they need the permission of their landlords first. Landlords can also apply for the available grants.
ECO4 for Private Tenants
Private tenants can apply for energy upgrades through ECO4 if their home has an EPC rating of E, F, or G and they recieve certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credits or Working Tax Credits, Income based Jobseekers Allowance, Income related Employment & Support Allowance, and Housing Benefit. Tenants will need to get the permission from their landlord first.
ECO4 Flex Scheme
This is available to tenants if their total household income is below £31,000 or if they are living with a health condition that can be worsened by a cold home. Their local council also needs to be part of the flex scheme.
Great British Insulation Scheme
Tenants that are living in a home with an EPC rated D or below and within a council tax band of A-D can apply for this grant.
Local Authority Grants
Some local authorities offer private rental grants but these usually target low-icome households. In some cases, the landlord is required to contribute to the cost of having upgrades installed.
Applying for ECO4 as a Landlord
If you are a landlord, you could be eligible to apply for ECO4 and improve the energy efficiency of your properties. This will reduce your tenants energy bills and even make your properties more attractive to potential tenants.
Your properties need to meet these requiremnets to be eligible for the grant:
- They must be privately rented
- They require a Energy Performance Certificate rating of E, F, or G.
- The tenants occupying the property must receive benefits such as Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit.
Summary
Both council tenants and private tenants have options when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of their home and reducing their energy bills. Checking eligibility, obtaining landlord permission, and researching local council support are all key steps in becoming more energy efficient.
By taking advantage of these grants, your home will become warmer, your carbon footprint will be reduced, and your expenses will be cut.
