How to get free energy improvements in your rented home through the Warm Homes Local Grant
Key points
- Private renters with a household income of £36,000 or less and an EPC rating of D, E, F or G can get free energy efficiency improvements — you pay nothing
- Eligible upgrades include loft and wall insulation, solar panels, heating controls, and double glazing — up to £30,000 worth per home
- Some councils are fully booked for 2026 to 2027, but many still have capacity and the scheme runs until March 2028 — check yours now
If your home feels cold in winter or your energy bills are eating into your budget, there may be a way to get it improved for free. The Warm Homes Local Grant is a government scheme that funds energy efficiency upgrades in private rented homes — and if you qualify, you pay nothing at all.
The scheme runs until March 2028. Your local council delivers it, and many areas across England still have money to spend for 2026 to 2027.
Do you qualify?
To be eligible as a private renter, two main conditions apply:
- Your household income is £36,000 a year or less. This covers all adults living in the home who are not in full-time education.
- Your home has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.
You do not need to own the property. You do need your landlord to agree before you can apply.
If you do not know your EPC rating, you can look it up for free using the EPC register on GOV.UK.
What you could get
The grant can pay for energy efficiency work worth up to £30,000 per home. Improvements can include:
- loft, wall, and underfloor insulation
- solar panels (solar PV)
- double or triple glazing
- heating controls and draught-proofing
Your landlord pays nothing for the first property they improve through the scheme. You pay nothing regardless.
Better insulation means lower bills — not just this winter but every winter after that.
Search for your next property on DSSmove →How to apply
Start at the Warm Homes Local Grant page on GOV.UK (gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant). It links you to your local council's scheme.
Once you apply, the council will usually contact you within 10 working days to check your details and arrange a free home survey. If the work is approved, a local installer carries it out.
You will need your landlord's permission before you submit your application, so it is worth having that conversation early.
If your area is already full
Some councils have spent their 2026 to 2027 budget. If yours has, you can usually register your interest for 2027 to 2028 — the scheme runs until March 2028, so it is worth joining the list.
If you would like help talking to your landlord or navigating the application, Citizens Advice and Shelter both offer free support.
Frequently asked questions
My landlord has said no — what can I do?
Citizens Advice can help you understand your landlord's energy efficiency duties and advise you on the next steps if they refuse.
Does this scheme apply in Scotland and Wales?
The Warm Homes Local Grant runs in England only — contact Citizens Advice in your nation to find out what energy efficiency grants are available where you live.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant