Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations came into force in April 2018 which require that privately rented properties have an EPC energy efficiency rating of no worse than E. As far as this affects the ECO Scheme, the government is of the opinion that landlords are responsible for providing a working heating system in privately rented homes.
The following comment appeared in an explanatory memorandum to the ECO 2018 Statutory Instrument:
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 prescribe, subject to exceptions, a minimum level of energy efficiency for private rented properties. Therefore, the use of ECO in certain circumstances will be restricted so that ECO measures are not obtained by landlords to meet their statutory requirements. Similar restrictions will apply in Scotland.