Renting out a property? Keeping your tenants warm and cosy is important. But old boilers can be expensive to run. Luckily, there might be help with the upgrade! The UK offers grants for boilers to install new, energy-saving boilers. These grants focus on replacing older gas boilers with more efficient models, or even switching to sustainable options like heat pumps. You may get up to £7,500 towards a new boiler under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or ECO4 Scheme. This helps you improve your property’s energy efficiency rating, which is a legal requirement in the UK. As a result, your tenant will benefit from a warmer, cheaper-to-heat home.
What are the key responsibilities of a landlord when letting out a property?
Firstly, being a landlord is such an important job. Besides all the other things you do every day, you also have to make sure that each and every appliance in your rentals is safe and always functions as properly as it should – including your boiler. Secondly, a boiler without a doubt, makes a part of your home. It is an appliance that you should keep under your observation at regular intervals. Moreover, legally, you are responsible as a landlord for any faults with your heating, hot water, pipes and ventilation.
What’s a free boiler grant?
Free boiler grant under the Eco4 scheme is a big government energy program. It includes all major energy companies. They provide new boilers to low-income households. Free boilers are the main goal. Then, there’s the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). It gives grants to homeowners in England and Wales. Moreover, they can install a heat pump or biomass boiler. These are often expensive. But, the government grant makes it possible. For an air-source heat pump installation, you could get cash. Up to £7,500. This can make a big difference in cost.
How do new boilers help landlords upgrade rentals?
Upgrading boilers in rental properties can have several benefits:
- Energy efficiency: Firstly, new boilers are more energy-efficient. This means they use less energy to heat the property.
- Lower energy bills: Next, upgrading to an A-rated boiler can reduce energy bills by up to £340 per year.
- Increased property value: Also, tenants are increasingly looking for properties that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective to run.
- Tenant satisfaction: A reliable and efficient boiler is crucial for tenant satisfaction. But malfunctioning boiler can potentially lead to complaints and early termination of their tenancy.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Upgrading to a high-efficiency boiler can reduce your carbon footprint. This contributes to a more sustainable future.
- Reduced maintenance and repair costs: Newer boilers are more reliable and require less frequent repairs and maintenance.
- Compliance with regulations: As of 2020, all rental properties in the UK must have a minimum energy efficiency rating of E.
Who qualifies for boiler grants in UK rentals?
To qualify for a free boiler grant, you must be the owner of the rental property (including houses, flats, or second homes). Moreover, there’s no minimum property ownership period, but the tenant must be living there throughout the application and installation process. Also, tenants themselves don’t directly apply for the grant. They get it done in consultation with their landlords. However, there’s no requirement for the tenant to be on benefits or meet any specific income criteria. On top of that, the property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating below band D. Moreover, the existing boiler must be a gas boiler and at least 15 years old (or not working efficiently).
Applying for a free boiler grant for landlords
Find an ECO4 pro installer
Please contact local registered installers who are officially allowed to work with the UK government’s free boiler scheme. In this respect, you can also choose Eco Energy Services or Berks Insulation. Leave it to them the whole paper trail and they will work on your behalf until the moment of installation of the free boiler.
Submit an application
They will assist you with the application process, and they will prepare the required documents and submit your application.
Make sure you’re eligible
After they receive your application, they perform eligibility checks to determine whether you are eligible for the ECO4 boiler scheme.
Home energy survey
An accredited energy assessor will visit your facility after a successful assessment to determine the heating system’s energy performance certificate rating for your eligibility.
Approve and install
After they accept your application, they will then schedule a date to install a new boiler with minimum disturbance.
Bottom line
So, there you have it! Upgrading your rental property’s boiler doesn’t have to break the bank. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a great opportunity to make your property more energy-efficient, reduce tenant heating bills, and potentially improve your Energy Performance Certificate rating. So check the scheme’s details and find a qualified installer to upgrade your home.
