Throughout this winter, millions of households in Europe have faced the tough decision between heating their homes and putting food on the table, as living costs and heating expenses remain high. This struggle is particularly pronounced in the rental sector, where tenants experience continuously increasing rent prices, exacerbating the levels of energy poverty across the EU. While most policies incentivising renewable heating primarily target homeowners, there is little emphasis on motivating landlords to renovate their buildings.

This briefing delves into the necessities for making renewable heating accessible and affordable for European tenants, especially those experiencing energy poverty. At its heart is the principle that the transition to decarbonise heating should be inclusive, ensuring no one is left behind, regardless of income or tenancy status.