Warm Homes Plan for Landlords 2026: ECO4, GBIS, BUS and the Road to EPC Band C

The Warm Homes Plan is the government's overarching energy efficiency framework, combining multiple grant schemes under a single strategic programme. For private landlords, the most relevant components are: Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) for insulation and heating in low-income households; the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) for insulation across a broader eligibility base; and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) for heat pump installation.

ECO4 — Energy Company Obligation

ECO4 requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for households in receipt of means-tested benefits. For landlords, eligibility is determined by the tenant's circumstances: if the tenant receives Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, or selected other benefits, the property may qualify for funded insulation, heating upgrades, or first-time central heating. The property must typically be EPC Band D, E, F, or G.

• Tenant-based eligibility: Qualifying means-tested benefits are the primary eligibility gateway — confirm tenant benefit status before applying
• No landlord upfront cost: ECO4 measures are funded by the energy supplier obligation — landlords do not pay for qualifying works
• Apply via registered ECO installer: Contact a Trustmark-registered ECO installer for a free eligibility assessment and installation
• Measures funded: Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, heat pumps, first-time central heating

GBIS — Great British Insulation Scheme

GBIS has a broader eligibility base than ECO4. It includes a means-tested track (similar to ECO4) and a general track for EPC Band D or below properties in lower council tax bands, regardless of tenant income. GBIS funds a single primary insulation measure (loft or cavity wall insulation typically) per property. For landlords without benefit-eligible tenants, the GBIS general track may still provide funded insulation if the property is Band D or below.

• General track: EPC Band D or below in a lower council tax band — does not require tenant benefits
• Insulation only: GBIS does not fund heating system replacements
• Single measure per property: One primary insulation measure per GBIS application
• Apply via registered GBIS installer: Assessment and application through a registered installer at no upfront cost

BUS — Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a £7,500 grant for air source or ground source heat pump installation, regardless of tenant income. The grant is deducted from the installation cost by the MCS-registered installer. Before applying, the property must have no outstanding insulation recommendations on its EPC — address loft and cavity wall insulation first if required.

• £7,500 grant: For both air source and ground source heat pumps — deducted at point of installation
• MCS-registered installer required: Only MCS-registered installers can access BUS funding
• EPC insulation check: Outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations must be resolved before a BUS application is accepted
• MEES benefit: Heat pump installation typically improves EPC rating — supporting compliance with the proposed 2030 Band C requirement

MEES — The Road to EPC Band C by 2030

The current MEES minimum is Band E. The proposed target is Band C for all privately rented properties by 2030 (new tenancies) and 2033 (all existing tenancies). While not yet enacted, landlords should plan on the basis that the target will be implemented. The most impactful improvements for raising an EPC from Band D or E to Band C are: loft insulation to 270mm; cavity wall insulation; high-efficiency heating (condensing boiler or heat pump); and solar panels. A systematic portfolio assessment — identifying all Band D and E properties and prioritising ECO4/GBIS-eligible ones for funded works — is the most cost-effective approach.