Reducing Energy Bills in Rentals Without Major Works
This article explores practical, low-cost measures landlords can take to reduce energy bills in rentals and improve EPC ratings without major works.
26/08/2026By Sunil Chander · Co-Founder
This article explores practical, low-cost measures landlords can take to reduce energy bills in rentals and improve EPC ratings without major works.
The pressure on landlords to improve the energy performance of their properties is growing. With the government confirming its policy, although this is not yet enshrined in legislation, that all privately rented homes in England and Wales must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by October 2030, the deadline to become compliant is steadily approaching. Many landlords mistakenly assume achieving energy efficiency in their rentals will be expensive and disruptive, but that assumption isn't always accurate.
A meaningful amount of what must be done to improve energy performance can be achieved without replacing boilers, installing heat pumps or undertaking significant structural works. The measures explored in this article are practical, accessible, and often reasonably inexpensive.
1. Draught proofing: Where to start
Before considering any larger capital investment, it is worth auditing how much heat a property is losing unnecessarily. Older properties in particular tend to have a number of small but addressable inefficiencies that compound in bills and EPC scores.
Draught proofing has consistently been one of the most cost-effective interventions available. Sealing gaps around doors, windows, letterboxes and keyholes prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from entering without any structural modification. The Energy Saving Trust puts savings from draught proofing doors, floors, and windows at around £85 per year, with sealing an open chimney adding a further £60 approximately.
These are not significant sums in isolation, but they do reflect genuine reductions in energy waste that compound alongside other measures. Furthermore, brush strips, foam seals, letterbox covers and chimney draught excluders are all available from DIY retailers and require no specialist installation.
2. Thermostat controls and smart heating controls
Another significant source of wasted energy in rentals is poorly managed heating. Many properties still operate on inflexible, fixed-schedule timers that heat a home regardless of whether anyone is present. Upgrading to smart thermostat controls can address this directly and the technology to do so has become far more accessible in recent years.
Smart heating controls, including devices from Hive, Google Nest and tado, enable heating to be scheduled, adjusted remotely and, in some systems, calibrated to occupancy patterns within the household. Turning a room thermostat down by just one degree can save approximately £90 per year and smart thermostats make it considerably easier to maintain that discipline without sacrificing comfort. Analysis suggests annual savings of £75 to £150 for households replacing basic manual controls with smart alternatives.
For landlords, the appeal of smart heating controls goes beyond tenant savings. Heating controls also form part of the criteria assessed under the updated EPC methodology and properties with programmable, smart-ready systems are likely to perform better under the new Home Energy Model framework coming into effect in 2026. The cost of purchasing and installing a smart thermostat is typically around £265, placing this within reach as a low-cost upgrade relative to its impact on heating efficiency in a rental property.
3. Radiator reflector foil
Another useful measure is the installation of radiator reflector foil behind radiators that sit against uninsulated external walls. Without a reflective layer, the heat radiated from the back of a radiator is partly absorbed into the cold wall behind it rather than warming the room. The reflector panels address this by directing that heat back into the living space. The Energy Saving Trust puts the typical saving at around £25 per year, with a material cost of approximately £13; a modest gain, achieved at negligible cost and without structural work.
Radiator reflector foil is most effective against external walls with poor or no insulation. Against internal walls, or walls with effective cavity insulation already in place, the impact is less significant. It is important to purchase purpose-made panels, rather than creating improvised alternatives, as they maintain their reflectivity over time and fit neatly without requiring the radiator to be removed.
4. Loft insulation: The most impactful low-cost upgrade
Of all the measures to improve EPC rating cheaply, topping up loft insulation is one of the highest-impact options relative to cost. Properties with little or no loft insulation can lose up to a third of their heat through the roof, and a well-insulated loft can add points to an EPC score. The recommended depth for mineral wool loft insulation is 270mm, and for properties that already have some insulation but fall short of this, topping up is a straightforward process.
The cost of loft insulation typically sits between £300 and £600, depending on property size and loft accessibility. Loft insulation also appears near the top of most EPC improvement reports because it delivers strong returns relative to the investment involved. For landlords with properties rated D or E, loft insulation can tip the balance more reliably than almost any other single measure at a comparable price point.
Conclusion
Improving heating efficiency in a rental property doesn't have to mean major capital expenditure. Draught proofing, smart thermostat controls, radiator reflector foil and adequate loft insulation all represent practical steps that can be taken without major disruption or significant financial outlay.
Additionally, these measures can all deliver benefit for tenants in the form of lower bills and improved comfort, while contributing towards the EPC rating that you as landlord must achieve. With the 2030 compliance policy deadline confirmed, the time to begin planning is now. The good news? For many landlords, the most effective starting point is simpler than you might expect.
FAQs
Q. What is the quickest and cheapest way to reduce energy bills in a rental property?
A. Draught proofing is widely regarded as the fastest and most cost-effective starting point, requiring no specialist skills and delivering immediate reductions in heat loss. Sealing gaps around doors, windows and letterboxes can be completed in a single day at minimal cost and produces measurable savings.
Q. Can tenants install draught proofing themselves or does it need to be the landlord?
A. Many draught-proofing products, including foam seals, brush strips and letterbox covers, can be fitted by tenants without requiring permission, though it is always worth checking the tenancy agreement first. For anything fixed to the fabric of the property, tenants should seek the landlord's consent before proceeding.
Q. Does radiator reflector foil work on all radiators?
A. Radiator reflector foil is most effective behind radiators on uninsulated external walls, where heat loss into the wall is greatest. It offers little benefit on internal walls or walls that already benefit from effective cavity insulation.
Q. How much can smart heating controls realistically save a tenant each year?
A. Independent estimates suggest households replacing basic manual thermostats with smart alternatives can save between £75 and £150 per year. The greatest gains tend to come in properties where heating is frequently left running unnecessarily or where schedules do not reflect actual occupancy.
Q. Do smart heating controls contribute to a property's EPC rating?
A. Yes, heating controls are recognised in EPC assessments and properties with smart-ready systems are expected to perform better under the updated Home Energy Model framework being introduced in 2026. While unlikely to shift a property by a full EPC band, they contribute meaningfully as part of a broader improvement strategy.
Q. How much loft insulation does a rental property need to impact the EPC score?
A. The recommended standard for mineral wool loft insulation is 270mm. Properties with little or no existing insulation can gain between five and 15 EPC rating points by installing or topping up to this depth, making it one of the most impactful low-cost upgrades available.
Q. Are there any grants available to help landlords cover the cost of energy efficiency improvements?
A. The ECO4 scheme allows landlords to access funding through energy suppliers for insulation and heating improvements, particularly where tenants meet certain income or benefit criteria. The Great British Insulation Scheme covers insulation measures for properties in lower council tax bands and some local authorities offer targeted funding for the private rented sector.
Q. Will low-cost measures alone be enough to bring a rental property to EPC C by 2030?
A. For some properties, particularly those rated D with accessible loft spaces and cavity walls, low-cost measures may be sufficient or close to sufficient. Others will require additional investment in heating systems or wall insulation, but starting here reduces the scale and cost of what remains.
Q. Is a landlord required to tell tenants about energy efficiency improvements being made?
A. There is no specific legal requirement to notify tenants of minor improvements such as draught proofing or radiator panels, though any works requiring access to the property will need reasonable notice given in line with the tenancy agreement. Clear communication is generally good practice.
Q. How often should a rental property's EPC be reassessed after improvements have been made?
A. An EPC is valid for ten years, but landlords who have made significant improvements should consider commissioning a new one to ensure the certificate accurately reflects the property's current performance.
About the author
Sunil Chander
Co-Founder
Sunil oversees operations and compliance at Pauzible, drawing on his extensive experience as the founder and CEO of Dawnbud Limited, a financial services consulting firm. His prior career included senior roles in investment banking at Smith New Court and NatWest. He holds an MBA from LBS, M Litt from Oxford and a PhD from Cambridge.
energy efficiencyEPC ratinglandlord costsdraught proofingloft insulation
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