Yes. A landlord can use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for an eligible rental property in England or Wales. The important part is that the landlord owns the property and the planned heating upgrade meets the scheme rules.

BUS is not based on whether the person living in the property pays the energy bills. The owner applies through an MCS-certified installer, who handles the grant application with Ofgem.

Does The Property Have To Be Your Main Home?

No. BUS can cover a property that you rent to tenants, as well as a second home or business property, provided the building and proposed heating system meet the requirements.

Social housing is excluded, and most new-build properties do not qualify. There are separate rules for eligible self-build homes.

For a private landlord, this means a rented house can still be considered even though the landlord does not live there.

What Heating System Can A Landlord Replace?

The existing system needs to be one that BUS allows you to replace. This can include fossil fuel heating such as gas, oil or LPG, along with certain electric heating systems. The new system must also be an approved technology under the scheme.

That makes the apply for boiler upgrade scheme process quite different from applying for help with another gas boiler. BUS is intended to help property owners move to an eligible low-carbon heating system.

Can A Landlord Get The Grant For An Air-To-Air Heat Pump?

Yes, but only for a residential property.

Air-to-air heat pumps are now included within BUS, with a £2,500 grant for eligible residential properties. The scheme does not provide this grant for an air-to-air installation in a non-residential building.

So if you're considering a boiler upgrade scheme air-to-air installation in a rented house or flat, it may be possible. A landlord looking at an office, shop or other non-residential property would need to consider a different eligible technology.

What Does The Tenant Need To Do?

The landlord is the property owner applying for the grant, so the tenant does not normally submit the BUS application.

Even so, arranging access for surveys and installation is something a landlord should plan for. It is also sensible to explain the proposed heating change to the tenant beforehand, particularly if installers need to enter the property or the heating will be unavailable during the work.

How Does The Grant Application Work?

You don't apply directly to Ofgem.

The process is installer-led:

1. Find an MCS-certified installer.
2. Ask them to assess the rental property.
3. Agree the installation and quotation.
4. The installer applies for the BUS grant on your behalf.
5. The grant is deducted from the amount shown on your quote and invoice.

Ofgem may contact the landlord to confirm consent and can carry out checks on applications or completed installations.

Is There Anything Else A Landlord Should Check?

Before agreeing to the work, look beyond the grant amount. The heat pump needs to suit the building and meet the technical requirements of BUS. The installer must also be MCS certified for the relevant installation.

It is worth getting a clear quotation showing the full installation price and the grant deduction. That gives you a much better idea of the actual amount you will need to pay.

Final Thoughts

Landlords can apply for BUS, including for eligible rental homes. The property still needs to meet the scheme rules, and the heating system being installed must be an approved option. For air-to-air heat pumps, remember that the BUS grant is currently limited to residential properties.