A Landlord’s Guide to Making Rental Property More Energy Efficient with ECO4

Landlords have a responsibility to make sure rental properties are energy efficient, so it pays to know about the ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation). At Gaia Energy, we partner with landlords in Liverpool, and across the north west, to deliver valuable home energy upgrades under the government’s ECO4 Scheme. As a landlord, this means your rental property could qualify for free, or subsidised, retrofit works such as insulation, first-time central heating, a new boiler, or storage heater replacement, at little or no cost to you.

Improving the energy efficiency of your rental properties isn’t just about meeting regulations, it’s about maximising return on investment, attracting better tenants and contributing to environmental sustainability. Your tenants will also benefit from living more comfortably in a warmer home with lower energy bills.

What Is the ECO4 Scheme?

ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) is a government initiative, which is designed to make homes across the UK more energy efficient with the aim of tackling fuel poverty, reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental sustainability. The scheme places a legal obligation on large energy suppliers to fund retrofit upgrades for eligible households.

How Can Landlords Benefit from the ECO4 Scheme?

As a landlord, the ECO4 Scheme provides an opportunity for you to:

• Improve the EPC Ratings of Your Rental Property – boost the energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of your property to meet (or exceed) legal standards
• Access Free or Subsidised Retrofits – improve the energy efficiency of your rental property with retrofit work funded through the ECO4 scheme such as insulation, boiler upgrades, or storage heater replacements
• Attract Better Tenants – energy efficient homes are more comfortable and cheaper to run, making your property more appealing to quality tenants
• Future-Proof Your Portfolio – the government is planning to increase the EPC minimum standards in the near future, so upgrading now means avoiding costly penalties further down the line.

What Type of Upgrades Are Covered?

The ECO4 Scheme is designed to make homes more energy efficient and cheaper to run, with support for upgrades such as:

• Cavity wall, loft, or solid wall insulation
• First-time central heating
• Efficient boilers
• Storage heater replacement
• Heat pumps
• Solar panels
• Room-in-roof or underfloor insulation
• Smart heating controls

Is Your Property Eligible?

To benefit from the ECO4 Scheme, your tenants typically need to be receiving Universal Credit, Income Support or Housing Benefit. However, in certain cases, local authorities can also approve funding for low-income households who fall outside standard benefit criteria through LA Flex.

How We Help Landlords to Access ECO4 Funding

At Gaia Energy, we handle the entire process on behalf of landlords, from applying for ECO4 funding to delivering retrofit works designed to make rental properties more energy efficient. Our dedicated team of experts provide:

• Eligibility Assessment – we check if your property and tenants qualify
• Property Survey – our experts conduct a full retrofit assessment
• Funding Application – we manage the paperwork
• Installation – our accredited installers carry out the work quickly and professionally
• Peace of mind – our work is covered by an insurance backed guarantee
• Compliance – You receive all the necessary documentation for compliance and future lettings.

If you’re a landlord with one or more rental properties, the ECO4 Scheme could significantly reduce your costs, while adding long-term value. Our experienced team can guide you through the entire process to ensure you make the most of the available funding. Contact Gaia Energy for a free eligibility check and consultation on 0151 392 0087.