Landlords...

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 To access Eco4 funding (Energy Company Obligation Phase 4) in the UK, landlords must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow a defined process. ECO4 is designed to improve the energy efficiency of homes, particularly those occupied by low-income and vulnerable households. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what private landlords must do to access ECO4 funding: 

• Must be located in England, Scotland, or Wales.
• Typically must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.
• ECO4 prioritises EPC bands E, F, and G, with limited support for band D
• If the property is in EPC band A–C, it is not eligible for ECO4.
   

• Be in receipt of an eligible means-tested benefit, OR
• Qualify under the ECO4 Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) scheme.
   

Examples of eligible benefits:

• Universal Credit
   
• Income Support
   
• Housing Benefit
   
• Pension Credit
   
• Child Tax Credit
   
• Income-based JSA or ESA
   

Local councils can define their own eligibility criteria (such as low-income households not on benefits, elderly residents, or those with long-term health conditions).

• Loft insulation
   
• Cavity wall insulation
   
• Solid wall insulation
   
• Room-in-roof insulation
   
• Air source heat pumps
   
• First-time central heating
   
• Solar panels (in some cases)
   
• Double or triple glazing (only as part of a wider package)
   

Measures must be part of a whole-house retrofit, usually following the PAS 2035 framework.

• Check the EPC rating of the property (https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate).
   
• Confirm the tenant receives eligible benefits or qualifies under LA Flex.
   
• For LA Flex: contact your local council to understand their criteria.
   

• Must use a TrustMark-registered installer working under PAS 2035.
   
• Choose a reputable retrofit coordinator or installer familiar with ECO4 schemes.
   
• Many installers will help with the application process.
   

Search here: https://www.trustmark.org.uk

• An assessment is carried out under PAS 2035, which includes:
   
  • Energy performance analysis
     
  • Occupant interview
     
  • Condition survey
     
• A Whole House Retrofit Plan is created.
   

• You must give written consent for any works to be carried out.
   
• May be asked to contribute financially if funding doesn't cover 100% of the costs (though many measures are fully funded for qualifying households).
   

• Work is completed by certified contractors.
   
• You must allow reasonable access and provide safe working conditions.
   

• Final checks and lodgement of documentation with Ofgem.
   
• You may receive updated EPC reflecting improved rating.
   

• No direct funding is paid to landlords — the funding covers the cost of measures via the installer.
   
• Landlords must not charge tenants for works carried out under ECO4.
   
• Properties with outstanding repair issues (e.g. damp, structural defects) may not be eligible until these are resolved.
   
• Landlords may need to sign a declaration of ownership and permission to install.
   

• Ofgem ECO4 Guidance: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk
   
• TrustMark PAS 2035: https://www.trustmark.org.uk/our-standards/pas-2035
   
• Local Authority LA Flex schemes (check your council's website)