Shared houses, bedsits and HMOs and ECO4: questions UK tenants and landlords ask (guide 2026)

Guide by ApplyFreeBoiler.uk (Reliant Energy Solutions Ltd), a heating and insulation installer in Bury, Greater Manchester. We are not the government, Ofgem or an energy supplier.

Shared houses, bedsits and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) bring extra questions when heating or insulation work is planned, because several households live under one roof and the landlord usually owns the heating system. This guide covers questions tenants and landlords commonly ask. It is general information from ApplyFreeBoiler.uk, a heating and insulation installer in Bury. What is possible depends on the survey, the property and the scheme rules at the time. This page does not guarantee funding.

1. Who owns the heating

In most shared houses the landlord owns the boiler and the building, so the landlord's agreement is needed for any work, even where a tenant starts the enquiry.

2. Who the application is about

Eligibility rules can look at the household, the property and its energy rating. Ask early how the rules apply to a shared house before anyone spends time gathering documents.

3. Shared meters and bills

Many shared houses have one gas meter and bills included in the rent. Tenants and landlords should talk about how any change in running costs will be handled.

4. Access for the survey

Surveyors may need to see several rooms, the loft and the boiler. Give housemates notice and agree a time when someone can let the surveyor in.

5. Keeping everyone informed

Put a note in the shared kitchen with the survey and install dates, what rooms are affected and when the heating or hot water may be off.

6. Safety checks

Landlords already need yearly gas safety checks. Keep the new boiler paperwork and the latest gas safety record together and share copies as required.

7. Other free help

Shelter, Citizens Advice and your local council's private housing team can give free advice to tenants and landlords on housing conditions and heating.

8. Check funding and local figures

See ECO measures by council on ApplyFreeBoiler.uk, built from DESNZ Household Energy Efficiency statistics, to see how many ECO measures have been installed in your local authority area. Use the ApplyFreeBoiler.uk eligibility check to see whether an ECO4 heating or insulation pathway may be available for your home in England, Scotland or Wales. ECO4 is due to close on 31 December 2026.