ECO4 for Landlords: Boost Property Value and Keep Tenants Happy (While Staying Compliant)

With energy prices still volatile and new regulations on the horizon, UK landlords are facing increasing pressure to upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties.

Enter the ECO4 scheme—a government-backed initiative offering free energy efficiency improvements. While much of the conversation has focused on homeowners and tenants, there’s a huge opportunity for landlords—one that’s surprisingly underused.

So, if you’re wondering “Can landlords access ECO4 funding?”, or “Will improving EPC ratings increase my property value?”, you’re in the right place.

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The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is the fourth phase of a government programme running until March 2026. Its goal? To improve the energy efficiency of UK homes—particularly for low-income households and those at risk of fuel poverty.

It’s funded by energy suppliers, not taxpayers, and covers upgrades such as:

• Loft, internal wall, and cavity wall insulation
• Room-in-roof and underfloor insulation
• Air source heat pumps
• First-time central heating
• Solar PV panels
• Smart heating controls

While ECO4 is often promoted to homeowners, landlords with eligible tenants can benefit too.

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Yes. Landlords can access ECO4 funding as long as the tenant meets the eligibility criteria—typically by receiving qualifying benefits.

• The property must be in England, Wales or Scotland.
• The tenant (or sometimes the household income) must meet eligibility criteria.
• The landlord must give permission for the works.

✔️ Social landlords may have a different route via the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, but private landlords qualify under ECO4.

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There’s growing momentum to raise the minimum EPC rating for rental properties:

• Currently, properties must be EPC Band E or above.
• Future proposals could raise this to Band C by 2030 for new tenancies.

ECO4 measures like insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps can significantly improve your EPC rating—future-proofing your property.

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Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers and tenants. A study by Rightmove found that improving a property’s EPC rating from F to C can increase value by up to 15%.

✔️ Higher EPC = Higher resale value and rental yield.

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Cold, draughty homes drive complaints and churn. ECO4-funded upgrades:

• Make homes warmer and quieter
• Reduce condensation and damp
• Cut heating bills (a big plus for tenants)

💬 Happier tenants = fewer vacancies and longer tenancies.

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The best part? You don’t have to pay.

ECO4 is 100% funded for eligible households, meaning:

• No upfront cost to you as the landlord
• No loan or repayment scheme
• Installation and paperwork handled by approved professionals

✔️ It’s one of the easiest ways to add value without spending thousands.

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Depending on the property’s current efficiency and the tenant’s circumstances, ECO4 may cover:

• Cavity wall insulation
• Loft or roof insulation
• Floor insulation
• Air source heat pump installation
• First-time central heating
• Solar PV (yes—solar panels for free!)
• Smart controls for better energy use

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A landlord owns a 2-bed terrace rented to a working tenant receiving Universal Credit. The EPC rating is E.

Through ECO4, the tenant qualifies for:

• Loft insulation
• Internal wall insulation
• Smart thermostat
• Solar and heat pump installation

All at no cost to the landlord. EPC rating improves to B. The tenant saves ~£300/year, and the property becomes more valuable and regulation-compliant.

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We get it—nobody wants to wade through grant paperwork. That’s why the process is simple when you go through an approved TrustMark ECO4 provider such as Fairway Energy:

1. Check eligibility – Based on tenant income/benefits or LA Flex criteria.
2. Book a free survey – A retrofit assessor visits the property.
3. Get a retrofit plan – Based on the property’s needs.
4. Give permission – As the landlord, you must approve the works.
5. Installation – Our TrustMark-approved and qualified installers and engineers complete the job.

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With energy regulations tightening, tenant expectations rising, and generous funding available now, ECO4 is one of the smartest (and easiest) ways to future-proof your rental property.

You don’t have to pay, the process is handled for you, and your property becomes more valuable and more compliant—what’s not to like?

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We make it easy. Use our quick online tool to check if your properties and tenants are eligible for free upgrades under ECO4 and one of our representatives will contact you shortly.