Can my landlord refuse to improve my home's energy efficiency?

They must meet the minimum EPC standard (band E in England for private rentals) or register an exemption. Beyond that, you can apply for council/supplier grants that cover renters.

Can renters get free insulation?

Yes — the Warm Homes: Local Grant and ECO4 can fund improvements in privately rented homes where the household qualifies. Ask your council and energy supplier.

Can I install a heat pump as a tenant?

Not usually without the landlord's agreement and an MCS-certified installer. You can propose it and help unlock landlord finance or grants.

Energy Efficiency for Renters

Private renters often live in the least efficient homes and pay the energy bills. You rarely control the building fabric, but you have more leverage than you think: minimum EPC standards, landlord duties, and grants that cover renters. This guide covers what you can do, what your landlord must do, and where the money is.

Last reviewed: August 2026Sources: GOV.UK — Energy Performance Certificates · Energy Saving Trust · DESNZ — Warm Homes Plan

Know your home's EPC rating

Your landlord must give you an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) at the start of a tenancy. It shows running costs and recommended improvements. Homes rated F or G cannot legally be rented (with limited exemptions). If your EPC is poor, that's leverage — raise it with your landlord, citing the cost to you and any available grant.

What you can do yourself

Low-cost, reversible measures are fair game: draught-proofing windows and doors, radiator reflectors, LED bulbs, smart heating schedules, and switching to a cheaper tariff. These cut bills without altering the property. Always check your tenancy agreement before making changes.

What your landlord must consider

From 2025, privately rented homes in England must reach EPC band E (the longstanding minimum), with the government consulting on raising the threshold toward C over time. Landlords of low-rated homes face pressure to upgrade. The proposed Warm Homes Loan Scheme extends to private landlords on a personal lending basis, giving them finance to improve your home.

Grants that cover renters

The Warm Homes: Local Grant (via your council) funds free energy-saving improvements for eligible low-income households in privately owned and privately rented homes, typically EPC D–G. Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) also reaches some renters through their supplier. Ask your council and supplier what you qualify for — you don't have to own the home.

If you want a heat pump

A tenant can't usually install a heat pump, but you can request one and offer to facilitate grant/finance routes. Any install must be MCS-certified and landlord-approved. Where the landlord funds it, the Warm Homes Loan Scheme and BUS grant can apply.

FAQs

Can my landlord refuse to improve my home's energy efficiency?: They must meet the minimum EPC standard (band E in England for private rentals) or register an exemption. Beyond that, you can apply for council/supplier grants that cover renters.
Can renters get free insulation?: Yes — the Warm Homes: Local Grant and ECO4 can fund improvements in privately rented homes where the household qualifies. Ask your council and energy supplier.
Can I install a heat pump as a tenant?: Not usually without the landlord's agreement and an MCS-certified installer. You can propose it and help unlock landlord finance or grants.