Energy Performance Grant Scheme for landlords

How Energy Performance Grant Scheme works

The Energy Performance Grant Scheme supports landlords to improve the energy efficiency of your properties and bring them into use as Temporary Accommodation.

We provide funding towards improvement works, alongside the opportunity to lease your property to Brighton & Hove City Council.

This is not a grant-only scheme. Grant funding is conditional on both the completion of EPC improvement works and the successful delivery of a council lease for a minimum of 3 years.

Through the scheme:

• we can offer up to £7,500 grant funding for eligible works
• you can lease your property to the council for a minimum of 3 years (subject to agreement)
• we will manage the property in line with our Temporary Accommodation arrangements
• you will benefit from an improved Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and future compliance with energy standards

Grant funding is paid when:

• the works are completed
• the EPC has been reassessed
• the property is successfully leased to the council (including tenant onboarding and key handover)

EPC must be improved to a minimum Band C or above where achievable.

Both the completion of works and successful leasing must be in place before grant funding is released.

By taking part, you are helping to provide safe, good quality homes for local households in need.

Benefits include:

• guaranteed rent
• no voids
• no tenant management
• reduced risk

What you need to know before you apply

Before you apply, make sure you've read the following:

• The grant is only available if you lease your property to the council.
• The lease must be for a minimum of 3 years.
• Grant funding is only released once works are complete and the property is successfully leased through the council.
• Applications will not progress if rent is outside scheme affordability limits.
• The agreed rent is fixed at the start of the lease. Any future changes are handled through the lease agreement.
• Properties must be vacant or have a clear pathway to vacancy before leasing.
• You can apply for a maximum of 3 property applications per landlord.
• You'll need to agree to a property site visit as part of the eligibility assessment.
• The property must meet the standard suitability criteria for temporary accommodation.

Before you receive the grant, you are responsible for all upfront costs associated with the improvement works, including:

• arranging EPC assessments
• obtaining quotations and appointing contractors
• completing and paying for the works
• ensuring the property meets all relevant standards and regulatory requirements, including the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and any applicable safety compliance requirements

If the property is withdrawn before the end of the 3-year period, some or all of the grant funding may need to be repaid. Repayment is assessed in line with grant conditions

Who can apply for the Energy Performance Grant Scheme

The scheme is open to landlords with properties in Brighton & Hove.

Your property must:

• be located in Brighton & Hove
• be suitable for Temporary Accommodation
• have an EPC below, or likely below, Band C or require improvement to reach EPC C where achievable
• be available to lease to the Council for at least 3 years

You must:

• be the legal owner of the property
• be willing to lease your property to the council
• accept rent levels aligned with Temporary Accommodation affordability / Local Housing Allowance

How to apply

To apply for the scheme, you will need to complete a short Registration of Interest form.

This is the first step in the process and allows us to check whether your property is suitable.

You will be asked for basic information about:

• your property (location, type and condition)
• ownership
• current EPC (if known)
• your willingness to lease the property

If your property is eligible, you will be invited to submit a full application. If it is not eligible, we will let you know.

Important information about your application

Submitting a Registration of Interest does not guarantee grant funding or a lease. Applications must meet leasing, rent, and EPC improvement criteria to progress.

Start your application

To register your interest in the scheme, read the declarations, privacy notice and complete the online form.

What happens after you apply

After you apply we'll review your Registration of Interest. If you application is suitable, we'll contact you to progress your application.

You may be asked to provide further information, including: 

• EPC details
• proposed works
• cost estimates
• rent expectations

We will guide you through the next steps if your application progresses.

A site visit to your property will be requested as part of the eligibility process.

EPC requirements

You will need to provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Your EPC must be:

• valid ( EPCs are legally valid for 10 years)
• lodged on the official EPC Register
• completed by an accredited assessor

You will need to provide:

• the EPC certificate number (RRN)
• a copy of the certificate
• evidence for improvement to EPC C where achievable

You will also need to provide a new EPC after works are completed.