If you’re a landlord in Hemel Hempstead or Hertfordshire, the next few years will bring important changes to how rental homes are heated and assessed for energy efficiency.

The government’s Warm Homes Plan, announced in January 2026, sets out a clearer long-term roadmap for the private rented sector. While enforcement deadlines are still phased, the direction is clear: rental homes must become warmer, more energy-efficient and cheaper to heat, with increasing emphasis on upgrading heating systems.

At Gas Tech Heating, we help local landlords plan ahead, access available grants, and upgrade properties in a practical, compliant way – without rushing into the wrong solution.

 

What are the MEES changes for landlords in 2026?

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) already require rental properties to meet minimum EPC thresholds. Under the Warm Homes Plan, the government has confirmed a roadmap for privately rented homes in England and Wales to reach the equivalent of EPC C by October 2030, unless a valid exemption applies.

This means:

  • Landlords are expected to plan upgrades well in advance
  • Short-term fixes may no longer be sufficient
  • Heating systems play a growing role in EPC performance

Rather than waiting until deadlines approach, many landlords are choosing to upgrade earlier while funding is available.

 

Can landlords claim multiple heat pump grants?

Yes. Landlords are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers £7,500 per property when replacing an existing fossil-fuel heating system with an eligible low-carbon alternative.

The scheme applies to:

  • Owner-occupied homes
  • Rental properties and buy-to-let homes

The grant is installer-led and applied for on your behalf by an approved installer.

 

 

Which heat pump systems are eligible?

Under current guidance, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme supports:

  • Air source heat pumps (air-to-water) – well suited to houses with wet central heating systems
  • Ground source heat pumps – suitable for properties with sufficient outdoor space

The government has also announced plans to expand support for additional technologies, including air-to-air heat pumps, as part of the wider Warm Homes Plan. As scheme rules and eligibility can change, we always confirm what funding applies to your property at the time of assessment.

Grant availability depends on property eligibility and scheme rules at the time of application.

How does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme compare to other Warm Homes funding?

Some local and income-based schemes launching under the Warm Homes Plan may offer partial funding or limits on multiple properties.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme remains the most flexible option for many landlords because:

  • It is not income-tested
  • It applies to rental properties
  • It allows applications across multiple homes (one grant per property)

For landlords looking to future-proof their portfolio, BUS is often the simplest starting point.

 

Why heat pumps reduce long-term risk for landlords

Gas boilers are becoming a higher-risk asset:

  • Future regulation is moving away from fossil fuels
  • EPC compliance is harder to achieve with older systems
  • High energy bills can lead to tenant dissatisfaction and complaints

A properly designed heat pump system can:

  • Improve EPC ratings
  • Reduce damp and mould risk through consistent heating
  • Lower tenant energy costs
  • Increase long-term property value

The key is system design, not just installation.

 

Why Heat Geek principles matter for rental properties

Heat pumps must be designed specifically for each property to perform efficiently.

At Gas Tech Heating, we follow Heat Geek design principles, which focus on:

  • Accurate heat-loss calculations
  • Correct radiator sizing
  • Lower flow temperatures for efficiency
  • Consistent, comfortable heating throughout the home

For landlords, this means fewer issues, fewer call-outs, and happier tenants.

 

A sensible upgrade plan for landlords

The Warm Homes Plan encourages landlords to upgrade fairly and progressively, rather than rushing all properties at once.

A practical approach is:

  1. Assess the property – heat loss, insulation, EPC position
  2. Improve fabric where needed – loft or wall insulation
  3. Upgrade the heating system using available grants

Starting early avoids last-minute decisions and rising installation costs closer to enforcement dates.

 

Local heat pump installers for Hemel Hempstead landlords

Gas Tech Heating is a Hemel Hempstead-based, family-run heating company, supporting landlords across Hertfordshire.

We help with:

If you’re planning ahead for MEES compliance or want to understand how the £7,500 heat pump grant could apply to your rental property or portfolio, we’re here to help.

Contact Gas Tech Heating today to discuss your rental property