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Energy advice for landlords

Information for landlords on improving your property to make it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

As a landlord, you have the opportunity to improve the lives of your tenants, future-proof your property, and create a more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly home.

In addition to this advice for landlords, you can also see our pages on no-cost energy-saving behaviour tips and DIY energy-saving home improvements for more useful information.

Introduction to 'Retrofit'

Retrofitting means making your home fit for the future. It involves upgrading an existing building to reduce energy consumption, improve heat retention, and adapt to the impacts of climate change. 

Retrofit can include a wide range of improvements, from large-scale upgrades like external wall insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps, to smaller DIY actions such as draught-proofing. It can also involve installing electric vehicle charging points, green roofs, and other features that enhance a building’s environmental performance. 

Our planning team has produced detailed guidance on retrofitting, covering a wide range of energy efficiency improvements. 

A ‘fabric-first approach’ is often a good starting point for people looking to retrofit their homes. This means starting with improvements to the building’s structure such as insulation for walls, doors, windows, and the roof before installing new technologies. This ensures that any heating or renewable systems you add will work more effectively in a well-insulated home. 

Retrofitting your properties reduces emissions and can lower the risk of damp and mould, creating healthier and more comfortable living conditions for tenants. 

Grants and support for landlords

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Replace your fossil fuel heating system with a low-carbon alternative and get a grant through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.  

Grants may cover the following:

  • £7,500 for an air source heat pump
  • £7,500 for a ground or water source heat pump
  • £5,000 for a biomass boiler 

Visit Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK to find more information.   

Visit a heat pump near you

A heat pump is a highly efficient home heating system powered by electricity. Visit a real home with a heat pump and discover what it's like to live with one. Get your questions answered directly by someone who owns and uses a heat pump every day. Find a visit near you on the Visit A Heat Pump website.

Green mortgage options

There are now over 60 types of green mortgages available to support energy efficiency improvements in your home. Use the Green Finance Institute’s comparison tool to explore your options.

VAT exemption on energy upgrades

From April 2022 to April 2027, certain energy efficiency improvements are VAT exempt, reducing costs by up to 20%. This will lower the cost of certain measures by up to 20%. Find out more on the Federation of Master Builders website.

Net zero planning advice

All Islington residents can access 15 minutes of free planning advice to help understand local planning policy and explore sustainable improvements to their homes.  

Electric vehicle chargepoint grant

Switch to an electric vehicle and reduce your carbon footprint. You can apply for a grant of up to £350 towards the cost of installing a home EV charging point. Find out more about the electric vehicle chargepoint grant on the government's website.

Ecofurb

Use the free Ecofurb Retrofit Tool to discover what energy efficiency upgrades may be best suited for your home and create an energy efficiency plan.  

Compliance and Legal Obligations 

As a landlord, you must comply with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). This means that any rental property you own must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above. Read the minimum energy efficiency standard guidance on the government's website.
There are also proposals to raise the minimum EPC requirement, which are currently under consultation and have not yet been confirmed. 

For more detailed support and practical advice, visit: Support for landlords - Centre for Sustainable Energy. 

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

An EPC helps you to understand the energy performance of your property. You can find your latest on the government's website: Find an energy certificate - GOV.UK. Go to The Energy Saving Trust website for a guide to EPCs. 

Additional Guidance

Finding a trusted installer 

Choosing a Qualified Contractor 

 

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