Can I get a solar panel grant if my property is leasehold and my freeholder is unresponsive?

If you’re a leaseholder dreaming of lower energy bills and a greener home, but your freeholder won’t reply to your requests, you’re not alone. Many UK residents in flats or leasehold houses face this frustrating barrier when exploring solar panel grants. This guide will break down your options, highlight unique workarounds, and explain exactly what you can do if your freeholder is unresponsive.

• Understand how leasehold status and freeholder consent affect your eligibility for solar panel grants.
• Learn step-by-step actions to take if your freeholder is unresponsive—including alternative grant routes and negotiation tips.
• Get expert advice on protecting your interests and avoiding common pitfalls unique to leasehold properties.

Understanding the Core of Leasehold Solar Panel Grant Eligibility

Solar panel grants such as ECO4, the Warm Homes Plan, and local authority schemes are designed to help UK households cut energy bills and carbon emissions by funding solar PV installations. However, if you own a leasehold property, you typically need your freeholder’s written consent before making structural changes like installing solar panels. This is because the freeholder retains ownership of the building’s exterior and roof, even if you own your flat or maisonette inside [1].

Grant providers and accredited installers are legally obliged to ensure all permissions are in place before work begins. Without freeholder consent, your application for a government-backed solar panel grant will usually stall—even if you meet all other eligibility criteria [2].

Some schemes, such as the Warm Homes Plan and ECO4, specifically mention that tenants and leaseholders can apply, but only with the property owner’s (freeholder’s) approval [1][4]. This is a legal safeguard to protect both the building’s structure and the interests of all parties involved.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Eligibility

1. Confirm Your Grant Options
   Check which solar panel grants are currently open to leaseholders in your area. The main schemes in 2025 include:
   • ECO4 – For low-income households, including some private tenants and leaseholders, targeting EPC D–G homes [1][2].
   • Warm Homes Plan (Home Upgrade Grant) – For low-income and privately rented properties, including leaseholds, with a focus on EPC D–G [1][4].
   • Solar Together – A group-buying scheme open to all homeowners, but still requires freeholder consent for leaseholds [1].
2. Check Benefit and Income Criteria
   Most grants require you to be in receipt of qualifying benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit) or have a household income below £31,000 (for LA Flex and Warm Homes Plan) [1][2][4].
3. Assess Your EPC Rating
   Your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must usually be rated D, E, F, or G to qualify for most grants [1][2].
4. Secure Freeholder Consent
   This is the critical step for leaseholders. You must request written permission from your freeholder or managing agent to install solar panels. Without this, your application cannot proceed [1][2].
   • Tip: If your freeholder is unresponsive, send your request via recorded delivery and keep all correspondence. Some leaseholders have succeeded by involving other leaseholders to collectively approach the freeholder, or by seeking mediation through your local council’s housing team.
   • Lesser-known workaround: Some local authorities may intervene on your behalf if the grant is part of a wider building upgrade (e.g., for a whole block), so ask your council if this is possible [4].
5. Apply via a Trusted Installer or Grant Specialist
   Once you have all permissions, apply through a TrustMark-accredited installer or use a reputable grant application service like applyfreeboiler.co.uk/apply for a professional assessment and support throughout the process.

The Typical Application Journey Explained

1. Initial Application & Eligibility Check
   Submit your details online or via a grant specialist. You’ll be asked about your benefits, income, EPC rating, and—crucially—whether you have freeholder consent [1][2].
2. Free Home Survey & Assessment
   If you pass the initial check, a surveyor will visit to assess your property’s suitability for solar panels and confirm all legal permissions are in place [2].
3. Installation of Measures
   Once approved, TrustMark-accredited installers will fit your solar panels at a date that suits you. The grant provider pays the installer directly—never pay upfront for the grant itself [1][4].

A Crucial Trust Signal: How to Verify Your Installer and Avoid Scams

All official solar panel grant installations must be carried out by TrustMark-accredited installers. This ensures your installation meets government standards and your grant is protected [2].

Always:

• Ask for your installer's TrustMark registration number and verify it on the TrustMark website.
• Never pay upfront fees for the grant application or survey—legitimate schemes do not require this [4].
• Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or anyone urging you to sign immediately.
• Check for official paperwork and written confirmation of grant approval before work begins.

Red flags include:

• No TrustMark or MCS credentials
• Requests for cash or bank transfers before installation
• Lack of written contract or unclear grant terms
• Unsolicited cold calls promising guaranteed approval

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get a solar panel grant if my freeholder ignores my requests?

Unfortunately, without written freeholder consent, most grant applications cannot proceed. However, some local authorities may assist if the upgrade benefits the whole building [1][4].

Are there any grants that don’t require freeholder permission?

No government-backed scheme will bypass legal ownership rights. All require the property owner’s approval for structural changes [2].

What if I’m a private tenant in a leasehold flat?

Both your landlord and the freeholder must give written consent. Some schemes, like the Warm Homes Plan, encourage landlords to participate, but freeholder sign-off is still needed [1][4].

Can I apply for a grant and then get permission later?

No. Grant providers require proof of all permissions before approving your application or scheduling a survey [2].

What’s the best way to get my freeholder to respond?

Send a formal request by recorded post, keep records, and consider mediation via your council. If multiple leaseholders are interested, a collective approach can be more effective [4].

Conclusion and Your Next Step

Securing a solar panel grant as a leaseholder is possible—but only if you can obtain your freeholder’s written consent. If your freeholder is unresponsive, persistence and collective action may help, and some local authorities can intervene for building-wide upgrades. Always use a TrustMark-accredited installer and never pay upfront fees.

Ready to see if you qualify? Use our quick and free online eligibility checker at applyfreeboiler.co.uk/apply for instant guidance and expert support.

Full Citations and Resources

1. Solar Panel Grants And Incentives Available In 2025 – Alpha Tech Group
2. Solar Panel Grants 2025 | Savings & Eligibility Explained – The Eco Experts
3. Solar panels grants: What funding is available in 2025? – Homebuilding & Renovating
4. The 11 best solar panel grants & funding options UK – Sunsave
5. Solar panel grants and funding in the UK 2025 | FMB