What UK support is actually available in 2026 for landlord boiler grants?

Having to sort out a broken boiler as a landlord can be a very stressful challenge, especially when it is the middle of winter, and you need to make sure your tenants have heating. It can also be a very expensive thing to sort out. The good news is that there are boiler grants and eco grants for landlords that you’ll be able to take advantage of when you need to fix your boiler. 

Here, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about the type of grants available to you as a landlord. We’ll break down the intricacies of each grant and what kind of financial support exists, also outlining what help is available, who qualifies, and how you can leverage these schemes to future-proof your portfolio.

Gas vs. Low-Carbon

As you may already know, the government is pushing towards net-zero targets in 2030, tightening the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). This has resulted in public funding moving away from gas and oil infrastructure. As a landlord, you have strict statutory landlord heating responsibilities to ensure that your tenants are as comfortable as possible and that your living conditions are compliant with regulations. This also means that the government will no longer subsidise new fossil-fuel boilers for standard private rentals. 

In 2026, boiler funding paths are heavily aimed towards low-carbon heating upgrades, such as heat pumps or whole-house eco-retrofits. So, if you need help from the government to upgrade your property’s heating system with landlord boiler grants, there are three pillars of support that you have access to.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

If you’re looking to transition your property away from fossil fuels, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is the best route forward, as it is the most easily accessible option. It is also explicitly designed to help property owners in replacing old gas or oil boilers with low-carbon alternatives. 

What is Available with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Under the 2026 guidelines, you can now access the following non-repayable landlord boiler grants that will support you with the initial upfront costs of installation:

• £7,500 towards an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) or Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP).
• £9,000 for eligible off-gas-grid properties running on oil or LPG, under an extended higher-tier funding track available through to March 2027.

Who Is It For?

Unlike many other eco grants for landlords, the BUS is not means-tested, which means it doesn’t matter how much your tenant earns as a salary, or whether or not they receive benefits from the government. 

The Criteria

You’ll need to keep the following in mind when thinking about applying for the BUS landlord boiler grant: 

• The grant applies to private residential landlords in England and Wales.
• The property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) issued within the last 10 years.
• Crucially, the EPC must have no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation (if it does, you must install the insulation before applying for the heating grant).

Warm Homes: Local Grant (England)

If your rental property has a poor energy efficiency rating and you rent to lower-income tenants, this landlord boiler grant is a great alternative. This grant is delivered directly via participating local authorities across England and is a core component of the government’s revised Warm Homes Plan. (Gov.UK)

What is Available In the Warm Homes Local Grant?

This eco landlord boiler grant focuses on funding energy-saving upgrades, as well as heating systems. Eligible landlords will be able to secure the following: 

• Up to £15,000 for energy-efficiency measures such as solid wall insulation, loft insulation, and solar panels.
• Up to an additional £15,000 to fund clean heating technologies like air source heat pumps.

 The Criteria

Due to the fact that this is a more targeted intervention aimed at reducing fuel poverty, there are stricter entry barriers. 

• Your rental property needs to currently hold an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. It’s important to know what your baseline is, so make sure you read our guide to EPC ratings for rental properties to see where your portfolio sits.
• Your tenant will have to have a gross household income of £36,000 or less, or the property needs to be located within an officially recognised economically deprived area. 
• As a landlord, you are also required to make a partial financial contribution to the total cost of the works. This is dependent on the rules set by your local council, though. 

ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) 

The fourth iteration of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is another great option as an eco grant for landlords. The ECO4 is mandated to come to an end on 31 December 2026, however, so it’s beneficial to apply as soon as possible. 

What is Available With the ECO4?

The ECO4 requires larger energy suppliers to fund energy-efficiency packages in vulnerable households. It doesn’t offer one-off boiler repairs, but instead enforces a whole-house multi-measure overhaul. So, if an energy company takes on your property, they will heavily insulate it and may also completely remove your old fossil-fuel systems in order to install a more modern renewable system. 

The Private Rented Sector (PRS) Catch

Ofgem enforces strict regulations regarding private rentals under the ECO4. However, you’ll only be able to access this funding if your tenant receives specific means-tested benefits, for example, Universal Credit or Income Support, and if the property has an EPC rating of E, F or G. 

Also, under PRS rules, any direct fossil-fuel boiler-for-boiler swaps are prohibited under ECO4, unless it is a first-time central heating installation. 

Which 2026 Funding Scheme Fits Your Property?

 What If Landlord Boiler Grants Aren’t the Answer?

Although chasing down a landlord boiler grant package is highly advisable for a planned property renovation, government funding is rarely a good solution for an emergency heating failure. The process can take longer when applying for grants, scheduling local authority property assessments, and waiting for approved installers. 

As a landlord, you won’t be able to leave your tenants without heating or hot water for an extended period of time. Under UK housing laws, landlords are obligated to fix any heating issues as soon as possible. 

Prevention is Cheaper Than Replacement

The easiest way to prevent huge amounts of money from leaving your bank account for replacements is to be consistent with your upkeep and maintenance. Having a good idea of how often a boiler needs to be serviced is paramount in being able to prolong the life expectancy of your boiler. This way, you’ll also be able to spot any issues sooner rather than later. 

Tax Treatment of Out-of-Pocket Replacements

If you have to buy a replacement gas boiler yourself, you may be able to offset the cost against your tax liabilities. To find out exactly how the HMRC views these expenses, look into whether a landlord can claim for a new boiler as a tax-deductible repair or a capital allowance.

The main thing to remember is that it is best to look for eco-upgrades rather than to look for free gas boilers. If your property has a good EPC rating and you feel the need to transition to a heat pump, use the non-means-tested BUS for an immediate £7,500 deduction. Or, if you manage a property that performs lower and with tenants who qualify, look into the Warm Homes Plan. 

Are you looking for landlord insurance to help protect your rental property? Be sure to get in touch with our team of specialists for a quote today on 01788 818 670, or you can visit our advice centre for more information on how to manage your rental property.