Living in rented accommodation can raise questions about who is responsible for paying for energy efficiency upgrades. This guide explains, in plain terms for tenants in Wales, how responsibilities are split, when a landlord must act, and when tenants might be eligible for help. It covers common measures such as insulation, boiler upgrades, and draft-proofing, and explains official schemes and the paperwork you may need. You will find practical steps for requesting improvements, evidence to keep, and what to do if a landlord refuses. Where relevant, we reference current Welsh and UK rules and remove legal jargon so you can act with confidence when arranging or disputing upgrades.
Who normally pays for upgrades in Wales?
Major, structural and safety-related works are typically the landlord's responsibility under the broad framework governing private tenancies, including duties found in the Housing Act 1988 Housing Act 1988[1] and related case law and guidance. In practice this means improvements that are necessary to make the property fit, such as replacing a broken central heating boiler or fixing insulation that affects habitability. Tenants should read their tenancy agreement carefully to see any specific clauses about improvements, but an agreement cannot lawfully force a tenant to accept unsafe conditions.
Common energy efficiency measures and who usually pays
- Insulation (loft and cavity) — usually arranged and paid for by the landlord for long-term, structural work.
- Boiler upgrades or replacements — landlords generally pay when heating is essential to habitability.
- Small tenant-installed measures (draught excluders, LED bulbs) — tenants may reasonably install and pay for minor items unless the tenancy says otherwise.
- EPC assessments and certificates — landlords must usually provide an EPC when letting and arrange assessments.
How to ask for an upgrade and what forms to use
Start by asking your landlord in writing, documenting dates and responses. If you need to escalate, two official routes tenants in Wales commonly use are the Welsh Government Nest scheme for grants and the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for disputes. You can find the Nest referral and application pages at Nest (Welsh Government)[4] where eligibility and referral forms are explained. For formal disputes you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) using the GOV.UK application guidance at First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)[3].
Relevant official forms and where to get them:
- Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) 020 online application (no paper form number). When to use: if a landlord refuses a necessary upgrade and local enforcement has not resolved the issue. Example: you asked the landlord to replace a failing boiler and they refused; you file the tribunal application and request a hearing. See the GOV.UK guidance and online application to start the process.
- Nest referral and application forms (Welsh Government). When to use: apply when you meet Nest eligibility and need an installer to fund or deliver specific insulation or heating improvements. Example: low-income tenants with poor insulation can be referred and assessed for free upgrades via the Nest online referral.
- Local authority housing enforcement reports (no single national form). When to use: report hazards under local housing standards if upgrades are needed for safety or habitability. Example: persistent cold and damp due to missing insulation reported to your council housing enforcement team.
What if a landlord refuses or delays?
If a landlord refuses, keep written records, photo evidence and any replies. Ask for a timeline in writing and, if progress stalls, contact your local council's housing enforcement for advice and possible enforcement action. As a last step, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to request an order requiring works, or to recover costs in certain circumstances. Always check deadlines for filing and keep copies of every communication.
FAQ
- Can a landlord make me pay for energy efficiency upgrades?
- Generally landlords pay for major and structural upgrades; a tenant should not be forced to pay for repairs required for safety unless the tenancy agreement clearly and lawfully says so.
- Are there grants to help tenants get upgrades in Wales?
- Yes. The Welsh Government funds schemes such as Nest to help eligible households with energy efficiency measures; check eligibility and referral routes on the official Nest site.
- How do I escalate if a landlord refuses?
- Keep evidence, contact your local council housing enforcement, and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if informal and enforcement routes do not resolve the issue.
How-To
- Check your tenancy agreement and any EPC provided to understand current obligations and ratings.
- Write to your landlord requesting the specific upgrade, include dates, photos and a reasonable deadline.
- Check eligibility for grants like Nest and apply or ask for a referral if you meet the criteria.
- If the landlord refuses, contact your local council and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal for a hearing.
- Keep a copy of every submission, reply and receipt to support any formal complaint or tribunal application.
Help and Support / Resources
- Apply for grants through Nest (Welsh Government)
- Tenant support and rights in Wales (Welsh Government)
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - residential property (GOV.UK)
