Upgrading your rental property to be more energy efficient doesn’t just benefit your tenants – it benefits you too. A warmer, healthier home is more attractive to renters, helps prevent damp and mould, and can even lower maintenance costs in the long run. Plus, energy efficiency improvements can increase property value and make it easier to meet government regulations.

With the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) likely to be changed, requiring all private rentals to reach EPC C by 2030, now is the time to plan ahead. Making improvements now means you can spread costs over time and avoid last-minute, more expensive upgrades.

A smarter way to improve your property

Retrofitting – making energy efficiency upgrades to your property – can feel overwhelming. While it’s easy to install a single measure like loft insulation, without a comprehensive plan, there’s a risk of costly knock-on effects. That’s why we take a whole house approach.

A Whole House Plan gives you a tailored roadmap for your property, helping you:

• Plan refurbishments around vacant periods, minimising lost income.
• Make strategic improvements instead of costly, piecemeal upgrades.
• Stay ahead of regulations, avoiding last-minute stress.

Why retrofit your rental property?

• Increase property value – A more energy-efficient home is a more valuable home.
• Attract and retain tenants – Comfortable, lower-cost homes are in high demand.
• Stay ahead of regulations – Meeting EPC C early avoids fines and compliance issues.
• Prevent damp and mould – A well-insulated home reduces condensation and improves tenant health.

Funding support

If your rental property is one of the worst performing, or if your tenants are on a low income or have health conditions, government grant funding may be available to help with the costs.

Take the first step

Start by exploring the case study that matches your property type most closely. While no two properties are exactly the same, you’ll gain insights into how a Whole House Plan helps you prioritise upgrades, budget effectively, and future-proof your property.

You can also get a rough snapshot of what could be possible for your property using tools like (though nothing beats an in-person visual assessment):

• Cosy Homes Oxfordshire’s free Plan Builder tool or
• The Government’s Energy Efficiency tool.

For further advice on retrofitting, financial support, and regulations, see our resources page.

See what’s possible

On the next page, you’ll find a variety of homes, including rental properties like yours. These examples highlight how landlords and homeowners have used a Whole House Plan to understand their property’s energy efficiency, explore upgrade options, and create a clear roadmap for future improvements.

Retrofitting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even small changes – like improving insulation or upgrading heating systems – can make a big difference. The key is to start now and take it step by step.

A great first step is to find out your property’s current energy efficiency rating. This will help you understand what improvements may be needed(opens new tab).

Check your EPC rating here: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

Once you know where your property stands, explore how others have used Whole House Plans to assess their homes and map out the best next steps.

Invest in your property today to create a healthier, more energy-efficient home that benefits you, your tenants, and the environment.