Joint owners and mortgaged homes applying for ECO4: a UK household checklist (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.

Many UK homes are owned by more than one person, or still have a mortgage on them. Before ECO4 heating or insulation work goes ahead, it helps to make sure everyone with an interest in the home knows about it and is happy for it to happen. This checklist is general information from ApplyFreeBoiler.uk, a heating and insulation installer in Bury. It is not legal or financial advice. If you are unsure about your own situation, check with your lender, a solicitor or a free advice service, and note that this checklist does not guarantee funding.

1. Talk to every owner first

If the home is in joint names, tell the other owner or owners about the planned work before the survey. It avoids disagreements later and means anyone who needs to sign paperwork is ready to do so.

2. Check whose details the application uses

Eligibility is usually assessed on the household living in the home. Ask the installer whose details should go on the application, and make sure names and the address match your documents.

3. Read your mortgage terms

Some mortgage terms ask you to tell your lender about significant works to the property. Check your mortgage documents or ask your lender if you are not sure whether insulation or a new heating system needs to be mentioned.

4. Separated or divorcing owners

If you are separated from a joint owner, think about whether they need to know or agree before work begins, particularly if the home may be sold or transferred. A solicitor or advice service can help if the position is unclear.

5. Inherited homes and probate

If you live in a home that is still going through probate, or that you have recently inherited, ask the installer what proof of ownership or occupation they need. The legal owner may need to give permission.

6. Homes held in trust or with family members

Where a home is owned by a family member who does not live there, for example a parent or adult child, they may need to give written permission as the owner.

7. Keep copies of everything

Keep copies of any consents, the survey report, the installer's paperwork and handover documents together. All owners may want them, and they are useful if the home is later sold or remortgaged.

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.