Who Qualifies for ECO4: the best guide to free home upgrades
Who qualifies for ECO4?
Many Landlords Overlook ECO4 Funding
Thousands of landlords across England and Wales are walking past free government funding for energy efficiency upgrades without realising it. The ECO4 scheme UK (Energy Company Obligation, phase 4) is designed to make homes warmer, cheaper to run, and compliant with energy regulations — yet many landlords assume their properties do not qualify.
The biggest misconception is that ECO4 funding eligibility only applies if tenants receive benefits. In reality, the scheme has flexible routes that make it far more accessible. This article will tell you all you need to know about who is eligible for the ECO4 grant scheme and how to apply.
Understanding Who qualifies for ECO4
ECO4 Flex: The Income Route Landlords Miss
Through the ECO4 Flex pathway, tenants do not always need to be on benefits. Instead, households with a gross income below £31,000 per year living in a property with an EPC rating of E, F, or G can qualify.
This income-based route, combined with poor energy performance, opens the door for landlords to access free ECO4 upgrades without requiring their tenants to claim benefits. The process is straightforward: landlords and tenants usually need to provide documentation such as bank statements, council tax records, or utility bills to prove eligibility. This scheme is open to landlord and tenants alike as either party can go online and apply for the work to be done. Likewise, homeowners are entitled to the grants offered by the ECO4 scheme.
Why EPC Ratings Matter for Landlords
The ECO4 scheme UK provides a solution to the problem of low EPC ratings. By covering measures such as insulation, heating upgrades, and even renewable energy technologies, ECO4 helps landlords improve their EPC rating without paying the full cost out of pocket. This reduces compliance risks, protects the legal right to rent, and makes rental properties more attractive to tenants.
How Many Rental Properties Qualify?
Across England and Wales, millions of homes fall below EPC band C. In fact, 58% of properties in England have an EPC rating of D or lower, meaning they could be eligible for ECO4 improvements. This includes a significant portion of the private rental sector, where older housing stock is common.
For landlords, this means untapped funding opportunities are likely sitting within their portfolio.
Local Authority Flexibility (LA Flex)
Another key feature of ECO4 Flex is that local councils can set their own criteria. Some focus on low-income households, while others target certain postcodes, vulnerable residents, or properties with health risks linked to poor insulation.
Because these criteria vary, landlords should check the Statement of Intent published by their local authority to see what additional opportunities exist in their area.
Why Landlords Should Act Now
The ECO4 scheme UK runs until March 2026, but funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Landlords who delay may find available funding has already been used.
The benefits go far beyond free upgrades:
Reduced costs – lower tenant bills and fewer maintenance issues.
Compliance – avoid MEES penalties and protect your right to rent.
Property value – higher EPC ratings boost rental and resale value.
Tenant satisfaction – warmer, more efficient homes retain tenants longer.
Next Steps for Landlords
Check EPC ratings for each property in your portfolio. If you are unsure, calling one of the experts at Cucumber Eco will answer that question for you in no time!
Review tenant income levels — households under £31,000 may qualify under ECO4 Flex.
Contact your local authority for their ECO4 Flex criteria.
Work with an approved installer, such as Cucumber Eco Solutions Ltd, to confirm eligibility and arrange a free property survey.
The ECO4 scheme UK is not just for low-income or benefit-claiming households. Landlords with properties rated D–G may already qualify through income-based or local authority routes. With the March 2026 deadline approaching, now is the time to check eligibility and unlock free ECO4 funding before it’s too late.
