Many landlords in the UK wish to make their homes warm for their tenants. But boilers cost is one of the biggest hurdles to fulfill their wish. Thanks to the ECO4 scheme which grants new boilers with installation to help landlords and their tenants.
These grants are part of the UK government objective to maximise annual bill savings and minimise greenhouse gas emission. They want every UK home to use less energy to warm homes in winters. Using less energy helps the planet and saves money.
But can landlords get these grants too? The answer can be yes or no because there are rules to follow. Before moving ahead, let’s first know boiler grant options that can benefit landlords.
What Boiler Grant Is Available for Landlords?
Landlords can get help from the ECO4 scheme. ECO4 stands for Energy Company Obligation. This scheme gives boilers absolutely for free, helping people with low income or high energy bills. Landlords can apply only if their tenants qualify.
That means the tenant must receive certain benefits. If not, the landlord may not get help. The grant will only help if the property needs better heating. The ultimate objective is to make every home warm without breaking the bank.
Can All Landlords Apply for Boiler Grants?
Not every landlord qualified to apply for these grants. The property needs to have a below D Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. Should the house already be energy-efficient, it could not be assisted.
The tenant also has to be on some benefits. Landlords have to approve the work being done as well. There should not already be a functional efficient boiler installed in the house.
What Is the ECO4 Scheme and How It Helps?
Starting in 2022, the ECO4 program will continue until 2026. It offers free assistance to upgrade houses. This covers free boiler improvements and insulation. The program centres on low-income housing.
Should their renters be qualified, landlords stand to gain. The house will thus be more affordable to run and warmer. The program also aids in reducing energy use. That is beneficial for the earth as well as for tenants.
How to Know If the Tenant Qualifies?
Tenants have to acquire specific requirements to be qualified. These cover:
- Income-based Job seeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
- Income Support Allowance
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension savings Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child tax credit
- Universal Credit
Should tenants lack these, landlords might not be granted the grant for their property. Certain postcodes still allow homes to be qualified sometimes through other grants.
We designate these as low-income neighbourhoods. Special postcode tools let installers check this. Therefore, always first find out from the tenant their perks.
Steps for Landlords to Apply for Boiler Grants
Speak with your tenant first to find out whether they benefit. Should they so, locate a qualified installer. The installer will view the property’s EPC rating. They will also look over the present heating system.
Should the house pass the checks, they will assist you in application. Maybe you have to sign a form agreeing. The installer will next finish the grant application process. They will then fit the new boiler for the house.
Documents Needed to Apply for Boiler Grants
Landlords must give proof they own the home. A title deed or mortgage paper will work. They may also need to give the EPC rating. Tenants must show proof of their benefits.
A benefits letter from the Department for Work and Pensions will work. The installer may also ask for tenancy agreements. These show the tenant lives at the property. All these papers help the installer apply for the grant faster.
Can Landlords Get Grants Without Tenant Benefits?
It is hard to get boiler grants if tenants do not get benefits. But there is a small chance. Some local councils offer extra help. They can give grants under their own rules. This is called “flexible eligibility”.
It helps homes in fuel poverty or cold homes. The landlord must contact the local council. The council will check if the home qualifies. This option is limited but may still help.
Is There Any Cost to the Landlord?
Most of the time, the grant pays for the full cost. But not always. Sometimes, the grant covers part of the cost only. The landlord may need to pay the rest.
The installer will tell you before work begins. Always ask if there will be a fee. Even a small cost can be worth it. A new boiler saves money on heating bills. It also makes the home better for your tenants.
Benefits of Boiler Grants for Landlords
Getting a boiler grant can save landlords money. A new boiler is not cheap. The grant makes it free or low cost. It also makes the home more energy-efficient. That means lower heating bills for tenants.
Happy tenants stay longer and take better care of the home. It also raises the EPC rating of the house. This is good if you want to rent or sell later. Everyone benefits from a warmer, greener home.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Boiler Grant?
The process is usually quick. First, the installer will check if you and the tenant qualify. This takes a few days. After that, they submit the paperwork. The grant is approved in one to two weeks.
Once approved, the boiler is installed within a few days. In total, it may take two to four weeks. But this can vary. Some areas are faster than others. Always ask your installer for a timeline.
Can Landlords Use Any Installer for ECO4 Grants?
No, landlords must use an approved installer. The installer must be registered with TrustMark or Gas Safe. They must follow PAS 2030 rules. This makes sure the work is done well and safe. Using an unapproved installer means you won’t get the grant.
So always check the installer’s name online. You can also ask for their ID and license number. This keeps the work legal and trusted.
What If the Boiler Is Already Broken?
If the boiler is broken, you may still get a grant. The grant will replace old or broken systems. But the rules still apply. The tenant must qualify first. The property must still meet EPC rules.
If the boiler is dangerous, fix it first. Then apply for a replacement. Safety is always more important. Some installers offer emergency checks. They can help you apply while keeping your home safe and warm.
Do Private Landlords and Housing Associations Qualify?
Yes, both can apply. Private landlords and housing associations can use the ECO4 scheme. The same rules apply to both. The key part is the tenant must get the right benefits.
The installer will guide you through the process. Housing associations can upgrade many homes at once. This makes it cheaper and faster. Private landlords may only do one home at a time. But both can enjoy the same benefits.
Conclusion
Landlords can get grants for new boilers if they meet the rules. The tenant must get benefits. The home must have a low EPC rating. An approved installer must do the work. These steps are easy to follow. The grant can make homes warmer and safer.
It also saves money in the long run. If you are a landlord, this is a great way to help your tenants. And improve your property at the same time.
FAQs
In fact, landlords can facilitate their tenants by giving them permission to apply if their tenant qualifies under the ECO4 scheme and meets all the criteria.
Tenants must provide proof of receiving benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit to qualify for the grant.
Sometimes the grant covers the full cost, but partial contributions may be required depending on the property and installer.
It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks from qualification to installation, depending on location and installer availability.
Only in special cases under local council rules, known as flexible eligibility, based on fuel poverty or cold homes.
