Yes, tenants can apply for a new boiler grant in the UK and get free boiler grant. They just need the written consent from the homeowners. Let’s discuss how tenants can apply for and get new boiler grants in detail!
Which are New Boiler Grants for Tenants in the UK?
In the UK, the tenants can have different new boiler grants, such as the following:
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
The tenants can easily receive new boiler grants from the ECO4. It is a government-backed grant in which several energy companies supply free-of-cost heating systems installation. This scheme was started to make the UK an energy-efficient and carbon-free country.
To fulfil this goal, they provide heating systems which are not only energy efficient but also carbon-free. The best thing about these schemes is that they are cost-free.
The households just need to be eligible for this scheme. The team of ECO4 will handle the rest of the process.
They provide their services to homeowners, tenants, and social housing scheme owners. However, the eligibility criteria for each type will be a little different. If tenants want to get the services of ECO4, they need to have permission in the form of a document.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The second most important scheme for tenants to get a new boiler is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
This scheme aims to replace the energy inefficient and fossil fuel boilers with the efficient and low carbon systems. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides the Air Source Heat Pump, Ground Source Heat Pump, and Biomass Heat Pump.
This scheme is also government funded and provides an upfront of £7500 to all the eligible households. If the cost of a new boiler exceeds, the owner needs to pay for this.
At the same time, the households in only England and Wales can enjoy the services of Boiler Upgrade
Scheme (BUS).
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) provides several other services along with new boiler installation. They also provide their services to homeowners, tenants, and social housing scheme owners.
However, they have different eligibility requirements for each of them. In the case of tenants, they require the application from the homeowners.
The HUG is also a government funded scheme in which they provide up to £25,000 to every low income household. With this amount, the households can install new boilers, improve the home insulation, and upgrade other parts of the home.
Local Authority Schemes
The Local Authorities provide heating grants through different schemes. At the same time, they can recommend your home to the government or energy companies for other housing schemes. They consider the eligibility or vulnerabilities of the households and help them to get their required grants.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for Tenants?
Every new boiler grant has different eligibility criteria for tenants, however most the them have the following factors:
- First of all, the tenants should be receivers of eligible government benefits, such as the child tax credit, universal credit, income support, jobseeker allowance, employment support, working tax credit, pension credit, disability related benefits, etc.
- The tenants are only eligible if their annual income is lower than £31,000.
- Moreover, they need permission from the government in the form of a document.
- The homes in which tenants are living should be energy inefficient. Their Energy Performance Rating (EPC) should be lower than D.
There can be different eligibility criteria for different localities in the UK. The tenants need to understand the criteria in their area and then apply for the respective scheme.
How Tenants can Apply for New Boiler Grants in the UK?
The tenants can apply for the new boiler grants in the same manner as the owners do. If any of the tenants don’t really know how to apply for new boiler grants, they can follow the steps given below:
- First of all, tenants need to understand the eligibility criteria and ensure that they are eligible for this scheme.
- The tenants need to discuss their plan about the new boiler with the home owner. Only discussion is not enough, they require a written consent of the owner.
- In the third step, they need to identify the most appropriate new boiler grant for them from the options, such as the ECO4, Local grants, or BUS, etc.
- Then, they should discuss this with an installer. The installer will help them know the type and size of the new boiler. Moreover, they will guide the tenants in the application process.
- The tenants also have to hire the assessment team. This team will verify the EPC rating and condition of the property.
- Moreover, they will gather all the required documents from tenants and help them fill the application form. The required documents include the owner’s consent, proof of income and government benefits, etc.
- If the application gets approved, the team of new boiler grant will contact the tenant and provide the timeline related to the installation process.
In this way, a tenant can get a new boiler grant. However, to make sure that the tenants are receiving the right type of new boiler grants, they should make sure that they are working with the certified and reputed installer.
Conclusion
The process of application is similar for tenants and homeowners. There is a minute difference of owner’s consent in case of tenant application. If there is any preparation of the site, the tenant should take permission from the home owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Tenants Apply for New Boiler Grant without Landlord Permission?
No, tenants can’t apply for new boiler grants without landlord permission. First, there is an addition in the property, second, the installation process of the new boiler may require preparation of site.
Which Grants can Provide Boilers to Tenants?
There are several grants which are available for tenants, such as the following:
- Energy Company Obligation ( ECO4)
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
Will Tenants Pay for the New Boiler Grants?
The tenants will not need to pay for the new boiler grant. If payment is required, the landlord will do this. However, in most of the grants, the new boiler grants cover all the installation costs.
OTS News on Social Media