New regulations are on the horizon. From 2028, all newly let rental properties in England must have an EPC rating of C or better. For many landlords in Leeds, particularly those with older homes in LS9, LS11 and LS12, this means acting now to avoid last-minute costs.
But there is some good news. The Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme is currently live in Leeds, offering up to £15,000 in free energy upgrades per property. Funding is limited, postcode-specific, and being claimed fast.
Here’s what you need to know – and how Hunters Leeds Lettings can help you unlock funding before it’s gone.
Why energy efficiency matters now
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings determine how energy-efficient a home is. From 2028, new tenancies must start with an EPC of C or better. The government is also consulting on rolling this out to existing tenancies by 2030.
If your property is currently rated D or E, this means:
- You may not be able to let it without improvements
- You could face penalties or income loss
- You might struggle to attract or retain tenants
Acting now protects your investment – and helps reduce heating costs for tenants, which is a growing priority.
What is the Warm Homes: Local Grant?
This grant is part of a national scheme delivered through local authorities. In Leeds, eligible landlords can receive up to £15,000 in funding to cover energy efficiency upgrades, including:
- Loft, cavity wall or underfloor insulation
- Double glazing and draught-proofing
- Energy-efficient boilers or heat pumps
- Smart controls and low-energy lighting
The aim is to help landlords bring properties up to EPC C standard without upfront cost.
Book a Portfolio Energy Review
Which Leeds postcodes are eligible?
The scheme is postcode-targeted based on fuel poverty and housing stock. As of January 2026, the following areas are priority zones:
- LS9 (Harehills, Burmantofts, parts of East End Park)
- LS11 (Beeston, Holbeck, parts of Hunslet)
- LS12 (Armley, Wortley, Lower Bramley)
If you own property in these areas, you may qualify for full funding, subject to a home survey and tenant eligibility.
Hunters can help you:
- Check your postcode and EPC status
- Arrange an assessment through approved contractors
- Access grant paperwork and deadlines
What upgrades make the biggest difference?
To get to EPC C, most older Leeds properties need a combination of:
- Loft insulation (the cheapest and most impactful)
- Cavity wall insulation
- LED lighting and draught-proofing
- Modern boilers or low-carbon heating systems
With the Warm Homes grant, many of these can be fully funded – but only while money lasts.
What tenants expect in 2026
Tenants in Leeds are more energy-conscious than ever. According to recent survey data:
- 68% would choose a home with better EPC over a cheaper one
- 74% say energy efficiency affects how long they stay in a property
- High bills are now the top reason for early move-out
That means energy upgrades don’t just help with compliance – they help reduce voids and increase renewals.
What landlords risk by delaying
If your property is below EPC C and you don’t act in time, you could face:
- Rent restrictions or inability to market the home
- Higher upgrade costs as demand rises closer to 2028
- Fines for non-compliance if rules expand to all lets
Plus, without upgrades, you could miss out on:
- Higher rents (up to 10% more for EPC C+ homes)
- Longer tenancies with energy-conscious renters
- Peace of mind during future changes to legislation
Check if your property qualifies
What Fully Managed landlords get
At Hunters Leeds Lettings, we’re already supporting landlords across LS9, LS11 and LS12 to:
- Track EPC status across portfolios
- Identify eligible properties for grant funding
- Liaise with contractors and surveyors
- Handle grant documentation and timelines
This is part of our Fully Managed service, where we take care of compliance so you can focus on returns.
Learn about Fully Managed services
Summary: What to do this January
- Check your EPCs. If any are rated D or E, act now.
- See if your properties fall within LS9, LS11 or LS12.
- Book a Portfolio Energy Review with the lettings team.
- Let Hunters help you access up to £15,000 in upgrades before funding ends.
The 2028 deadline may feel far away, but the best support is being claimed now.
Book your review today and secure your funding window
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