"Landlords can no longer afford remain inactive. With energy efficiency laws tightening and penalties on the horizon, ignoring ECO4 support is not just unfair to tenants, it risks leaving properties unlettable, devalued, and legally non-compliant"
- David Walker - OHMS Renewables
Experts are warning that landlords who fail to take part in the ECO4 scheme could leave tenants exposed to high energy bills, poor living conditions, and falling property values.
ECO4, the government-backed programme to improve energy efficiency, had delivered around 810,700 measures across 243,900 households as of March. Yet thousands of households are still searching for ways to reduce their energy costs, while many private tenants report that their landlords are unwilling to give consent for works.
Almost two-thirds of landlords (63%) said they would prefer to sell their properties rather than invest in energy-saving measures such as insulation, solar panels, or heat pumps. However, upcoming rental law reforms mean that property owners may soon be required to meet minimum energy performance standards, making inaction a risk to compliance as well as property value.
Consent remains a barrier
The scheme offers support for insulation, heating upgrades, and other efficiency improvements, but landlord permission is required for any works carried out in rented homes. Without written approval, improvements cannot proceed, leaving many tenants stuck in homes that are cold and inefficient to run.
Energy specialists at OHMS Renewables are urging tenants to check how the Renters (Reform) Bill could affect their rights and help them secure lower energy costs.
“Landlords can no longer afford remain inactive. With energy efficiency laws tightening and penalties on the horizon, ignoring ECO4 support is not just unfair to tenants, it risks leaving properties unlettable, devalued, and legally non-compliant,” said David Walker, energy specialist at OHMS Renewables. “Acting now safeguards property value, reduces tenant turnover, and ensures landlords stay ahead of regulatory change. Tenants should also be aware that they have rights, and clear routes to demand improvements where landlords fail to act.”
What tenants can do if landlords refuse ECO4
Experts recommend several steps for tenants facing landlord resistance:
Check the EPC rating: Review your home’s Energy Performance Certificate on the public register. Legal duties apply when properties fail to meet minimum ratings.
Assess ECO4 eligibility: Households may qualify if they receive certain benefits, are in fuel poverty, or have health vulnerabilities.
Communicate with your landlord: Emphasise that ECO4 covers most costs, improves property value, and helps ensure legal compliance.
Seek support: Organisations such as Citizens Advice, local authorities, and tenant advocacy groups may intervene or provide guidance.
Explore enforcement routes: The Renters (Reform) Bill is expected to strengthen council powers to investigate and act against landlords failing to maintain minimum standards.
Financial benefits at stake
Walker explained that the scheme provides more than regulatory compliance. “On top of the legal and market benefits, the ECO4 scheme delivers genuine financial relief. It is fully funded for eligible households, with no upfront costs, and tenants can see dramatic reductions in their energy bills,” he said.
“Typical estimates suggest savings of £300-£500 a year for many homes, though more comprehensive upgrades, especially to insulation and heating systems, might lead to savings closer to £800 or more annually in favourable cases. In the current cost-of-living crisis, where every pound matters, those numbers become more than just statistics, they become a lifeline for tenants facing rising costs.”
