The UK rental market is about to see a major shake-up. Under new government plans, all rental properties will be required to have an EPC rating of C or above by 2030.

That means landlords who currently rent out properties rated D or lower will need to make energy-efficient upgrades—or risk being unable to legally let their homes.

The announcement, made by Ed Miliband, Energy and Net Zero Secretary, signals a shift toward more sustainable housing. And while the goal is to cut energy bills for tenants and reduce carbon emissions, it also raises big questions for landlords: How much will this cost? Who pays? And what support is available?

Let’s break it down.

A Fair Deadline or a Costly Headache?

Miliband assured landlords they’ll have until 2030 to meet the new standards. That’s a reasonable runway, but let’s be honest—it’s still a significant expense, especially for those with multiple properties.

He didn’t hold back in his statement either:

“For years, tenants have been abandoned and forgotten, as opportunities to deliver warm homes and lower energy bills have been disregarded and ignored.”

Strong words. But he followed up with a more practical angle, claiming the move could save renters an average of £240 a year by making homes more energy-efficient.

For tenants, this is welcome news. But landlords? Not so much.

What Will It Cost Landlords?

Upgrading rental properties to meet the new EPC standard won’t come cheap. The average cost per property is estimated at £6,100 to £6,800. That’s a hefty bill, especially for landlords already managing rising costs, mortgage rates, and market uncertainty.

And here’s the catch: Most of these costs will trickle down to tenants. If landlords can’t secure funding elsewhere, rent increases may become inevitable.

But there’s good news: Government-backed grants exist to help cover these upgrades. If you’re a landlord wondering how you’re supposed to afford this, keep reading.

Grants & Support for Landlords

The ECO4 Scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) are two key funding options available to help landlords meet EPC requirements without breaking the bank.

ECO4: Up to £60,000 in Energy Upgrades

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is a game changer for landlords with properties rated D or below. If your tenant meets the eligibility criteria, you could access up to £60,000 worth of energy-efficient upgrades, including:

  • Solar panels
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Boiler upgrades
  • First-time central heating
  • Electric storage heaters
  • Wall insulation (internal or cavity)
  • Loft insulation
  • Room-in-roof insulation
  • Who Qualifies for ECO4?

Your tenant needs to meet at least one of these conditions:

  • Household income below £31,000 per year
  • Receiving means-tested benefits
  • Suffering from a medical condition worsened by the cold

If they tick any of those boxes, your property could qualify—no direct cost to you.

GBIS: Insulation & Heating Upgrades

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is another lifeline for landlords. While it doesn’t cover as many upgrades as ECO4, it does provide essential insulation and heating improvements, including:

  • Wall insulation (internal or cavity)
  • Loft insulation
  • Room-in-roof insulation
  • Radiator valves
  • Modern heating controls

Who Qualifies for GBIS?

Unlike ECO4, GBIS eligibility isn’t based on tenant income alone. Instead, properties in council tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Wales) can qualify—making it far more accessible to landlords.

If your tenant doesn’t meet ECO4 criteria, this might be the next best thing.

How Consumer Rights CIC Can Help

Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to navigate this alone.

At Consumer Rights CIC, we help landlords secure government funding, guide tenants through the eligibility process, and arrange for approved installers to carry out the work—ensuring your property meets EPC Band C without unnecessary stress.

Our mission? Make the funding process simple, straightforward, and stress-free.

If you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, we can check for you, walk you through the process, and connect you with government-backed contractors. That way, you can meet legal requirements, improve property value, and keep tenants happy—all without footing the entire bill yourself.

Act Now, Stay Ahead

2030 might seem far away, but landlords who plan early will avoid a last-minute scramble.

  • Find out your property’s current EPC rating
  • See if your tenant qualifies for funding
  • Apply for ECO4 or GBIS

Upgrading now means happier tenants, lower running costs, and a future-proofed property portfolio. Wait too long? You could be left struggling to meet legal requirements—or worse, unable to rent out your property.

Need help getting started? Consumer Rights CIC has you covered. Get in touch today and see what funding you could access.