If you rent from a council or housing association, upgrades come through your landlord. You don’t apply for a grant yourself.
Last reviewed 3 November 2026 · Independent guide, not affiliated with the UK Government
How it works
Councils and housing associations get government funding to make their homes warmer and cheaper to run. The government has said most funding for low-income households and social housing is protected after the October 2026 Budget.
What you can do
- Ask your landlord what upgrades are planned for your home, and when.
- Report damp, mould or cold to your landlord in writing. New rules, known as Awaab’s Law, set deadlines for landlords to deal with hazards like damp and mould.
- You shouldn’t be asked to pay towards improvement works.
Grants you can’t use
Social homes aren’t eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or the Warm Homes: Local Grant, and tenants can’t take out a Warm Homes loan on a home they don’t own.
From 2027/28 the government plans to merge the Social Housing Fund with the Local Grant into one area-based scheme.
Latest on grants
- ECO4 closes on 31 December 2026: what to do if you are waiting for work
- Off oil or LPG? The £9,000 heat pump grant runs until 31 March 2027
- Budget cuts £1bn from Warm Homes Plan grants: what it means for you
Not sure what applies to you?
Answer up to seven questions and we’ll show the grants and loans you may qualify for, with the official contact for each.