Escaping the chill of a rented home.
If you’re renting your place and getting fed up with cold drafts and high energy bills, you’re not alone. Many tenants ask: how can I keep the house warm in winter without busting the budget?
Since you don’t own the roof you’re living under, it can feel like the power to change things is out of your hands. But here’s the good news: it isn’t.
The solution: you’ve got options.
There are government-backed schemes offering grants for renters to help with insulation and other improvements, often at no or very little cost. These schemes are designed to make rented homes more comfortable and cheaper to run.
Yes, the home is your landlord’s investment, but you’re the person paying the bills, so you have a stake in this too.
Empowerment: making your rented home work for you.
Even though the property isn’t yours, you can still take steps that bring big benefits. Insulation isn’t about just feeling snug (although that’s a big plus) it’s about reducing how much energy your heating uses, meaning smaller bills and fewer cold evenings.
The biggest pay-back: your energy savings.
Here’s a stat worth remembering: a home that’s not properly insulated can lose up to a quarter of its heat through the roof.1 By installing good insulation, you could save hundreds of pounds each year on energy bills. 1
The reason is simple: insulation acts a bit like a woolly hat for your home, trapping heat inside so your heating system doesn’t have to work overtime. That’s why getting free house insulation is such a massive opportunity. It’s a crucial step that gives you the biggest, longest-lasting payback.
Understanding the scheme: what’s available?
There are two major schemes relevant for tenants:
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
This is a key scheme for renters. GBIS is designed to help a wider range of households, including those in private rented accommodation, by funding a single, cost-effective insulation measure. It’s all about getting the most impact for the least fuss, making it a perfect starting point for rental properties. Applications close on 21st January 2026, so apply before it’s too late! Check your grant eligibility.
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4).
This is another major government scheme, but it’s more focused. ECO4 offers more comprehensive retrofitting, including multiple measures, for those on the lowest incomes and living in the least energy-efficient homes. If you’re struggling with energy costs, this scheme is a fantastic option for a deep-dive upgrade. The scheme closes in March 2026, so get your application in sooner than later!
Tenant Grant Fund.
You might have heard the general term, tenant grant fund, being used. It's important to know that this isn't a single, specific, official scheme you apply to. Instead, the funding actually comes from those broader government programmes we just mentioned, GBIS and ECO4.
In some cases, local councils run their own smaller, targeted funds, too. When people talk about a 'tenant grant fund,' they are usually talking about the fantastic opportunities provided by GBIS and ECO4.
Do you qualify for insulation with GBIS or ECO4?
Here’s the eligibility criteria for renters.
Property requirements.
Your home’s current energy efficiency is key. To qualify for discounted insulation, the property typically needs to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. Generally, if your home’s EPC is G, it will be considered for the scheme first.
Additionally, homes need to be in Council Tax band D, E, F, or G to qualify for the 'general group' under GBIS. This is all about targeting homes that will see the biggest improvement from simple upgrades like adding loft insulation. If you’re not sure of your home's rating or band, a quick check online can reveal this information.
For the household:
Households on certain means-tested benefits are in a priority group for grants, making the process faster and often covering a larger percentage of the cost. These are the households most likely to qualify for comprehensive help under ECO4, but also for specific grants under GBIS.
You’re likely to be eligible for grants for tenants on benefits if you or someone in your household receives any of the following:
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Income Support.
Pension Credit Guarantee.
Pension Credit Savings.
Working Tax Credit.
Child Tax Credit.
Universal Credit.
Housing Benefit.
If you don't receive any of these benefits, don't worry! You might still qualify under the 'general group' of GBIS, which has a wider reach, or through a referral from your local authority. We're here to help you navigate this and find the right path.
The landlord’s role: Getting permission for insulation is essential.
Here’s the thing: since the installation permanently alters the property, getting your landlord's written permission is a non-negotiable step before any work can begin. This is the Golden Rule for all tenants.
But don’t let that feel like a hurdle; let’s frame it as a conversation about a win-win scenario.
How to approach them.
We suggest approaching your landlord in a positive, proactive way. The grant will improve the property’s energy efficiency, comfort, and value at no or minimal cost to them. It’s a fantastic, free upgrade for their asset!
When you chat with them, you could subtly mention that energy efficiency is becoming a legal requirement for rented properties. Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations, all rented properties must have an EPC rating of at least E. If their property is D, E, F, or G, they may already be thinking about how to get that rating up. The grant is a perfect, cost-free solution to help them meet, or exceed those requirements. It’s an easy route to ensuring they are meeting their obligations while making your home cosier.
Next steps: Making your rented home a reality.
Ready to escape the chill and put those potential savings back in your pocket? It’s simpler than you might think. Let's take control of this together.
Here is a simple, three-step guide to making your warmer home a reality:
Check your eligibility. We have our E.ON Next Grant Finder tool that can quickly tell you if your home and household are likely to qualify for a government scheme like GBIS or ECO4.
Talk to your landlord. Have that win-win conversation and get their written consent. You’re offering them a free upgrade for their property!
Arrange a free survey. If you qualify, one of our trusted energy company partners will conduct a no-obligation home survey. They will assess exactly what free house insulation is suitable and guide you through the next steps.
Final thought.
Taking control of your home’s comfort and energy bills is an empowering step and we all deserve a home that’s warm, comfortable and fair to run. If you’re a renter, you might think that’s outside your control, but it doesn’t have to be.
With the right grant schemes, a willing landlord and a good survey, you can really move things forward. We’re not promising an instant magic fix, but we are saying this is a genuine opportunity: one that puts you in the driver’s seat of your own comfort and energy bills. Let’s get your home cozier, together. Let’s make a start today. Check if you’re eligible for a grant.