Since 2022, the cost of heating our homes and covering our bills has become a much bigger problem in the UK.

Private renters are particularly vulnerable because our homes are more likely to be poorly insulated. We’re also more likely to be paying bills as part of our rent or paying for energy through a pre-payment meter.

There are a few things you could consider:

• are you doing everything reasonable to cut down on energy use?
• are you paying for energy in a way that suits you?
• what options are there for improving the insulation in your home?

Cutting back on energy use

Although the energy price cap that is updated every three months is given as a single annual figure, this is based on a typical household’s energy use. Your bill mostly depends on how much gas and electricity you use. With bills still much higher than 2021, most of us are already being extra careful about switching off appliances, but do check:

• If you have a combi-boiler, is the flow temperature turned down to 50 degrees or so? This could cut your gas usage by up to 8%. Read more 
• Make sure you know how to use your home’s heating controls (e.g. thermostat). This can cut your heating bills straight away, and you may not feel any difference. If there are no heating controls, consider asking your landlord to install some.
• Most newer appliances don’t use as much energy when on standby as older models, but it’s always worth switching off appliances properly when not in use.
• Ovens, kettles, washing machines and tumble dryers are big users of electricity because they heat things, often for long periods of time. So being mindful of your use of these and any eco settings for your laundry will be helpful. Go Compare has a calculator to help you understand which appliances are easier on your wallet – e.g. what would a slow cooker save you compared with an oven?
• Compare energy efficiency ratings when you purchase new appliances, and make sure you’re using energy efficient LED bulbs. Octopus Energy has more tips here.
• Having a smart meter installed helps you understand your energy usage and where you can cut back. You can ask your energy supplier directly for a smart meter but keep your landlord informed. Smart Energy GB has more here.

Just moving in or moving out? Take a meter reading

This should be one of your first things to do, but take meter readings as soon as you move in and also when moving out. This prevents you paying for energy that was consumed when you weren’t living in the property. By having a record of each amount, the energy supplier can tell how much energy you have used throughout your tenancy and bill you accurately. This can also mean you might get back any overpaid bills when you close the account.

How you pay – standard meter

If you are directly responsible for paying the gas and/or electricity bills, you have the right to choose your own energy supplier.

If you’re already on a standard meter, it is fairly easy to switch to a cheaper supplier and there are several websites that can help with this, including Money Saving Expert. As a tenant also consider how long you expect to be in your home. Note that it can be tricky to compare deals before you’ve lived somewhere for more than a year and so have an idea of how much energy you use.

Before you start your search, check if your rental agreement has any stipulations about the energy supplier you can use, or leaving the meters or energy account the same as you found them. Some contracts have a ‘default supplier’ clause where landlords or letting companies have a preferred supplier for the building. See if you can renegotiate this from the outset, but even if you can’t, you are still allowed to change your energy supplier if you directly pay the energy bill (Citizens Advice has more here). Be aware that even though this is a legal right, landlords do not need a reason to end your tenancy (see our FAQ on evictions). 

Don’t go straight for the first energy company you find. If you shop around, you can find a whole host of deals that make your energy payments more manageable, whether these are cut price costs when using a comparison website like Uswitch, or being able to build energy credit through sharing your referral code. Also be aware of exit fees, customer service reviews, and the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which may help if you receive benefits.

How you pay – via your landlord

Landlords can only choose your energy provider if they are directly responsible for paying the bills, for example by rolling energy, rent (and sometimes internet) into one monthly payment from you, and then using this to pay the energy bill.

How you pay – switching from prepayment

Prepayment meters (which you top up at the shop with a card or key) are no longer more expensive than paying for your gas and electric with a standard meter, and they are also subject to a price cap. A standard meter with a number display and pay for your energy on a monthly or quarterly basis, can be more convenient and you can switch from a prepayment meter to a standard one without your landlord’s permission. You can also change from a standard meter to a prepaid one. Note that when you move out, your landlord might ask you to switch back to the meter plan that was in place when you moved to the property, at the risk of losing your deposit. So it’s best to keep them informed to avoid any surprises.

All energy suppliers have their own system in place for making the switch. Most of the biggest energy suppliers will switch plans free of charge, as long as you pass their credit checks – including Octopus Energy, British Gas, EDF, E.ON and SSE. Some companies charge new customers or take a deposit – so look at these policies before switching payment plans.

While most energy suppliers require a good credit/payment history before they’ll install a standard meter, there are a few circumstances in which you can switch even if you’re in debt. This includes situations where it is not safe or practical to use a prepayment meter – Citizens Advice has more. 

If you’ve finished paying debt and you don’t want to be on prepayment anymore, your supplier must remove your old-style prepayment meter and give you an old-style credit meter or smart meter instead. If you’d prefer to stay on prepayment, your supplier must reset your meter so you’re not paying too much.

Inadequate insulation

If you’re already on the cheapest tariff you can find, and are claiming back everything you can, find out what steps you can take to keep your home cosier. You can type in your postcode at Simple Energy Advice, a government website, answer a few questions, and get given recommendations for you and your landlord.

You may be more likely to get improvements made if you get means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit or if your income is less than £30,000. These are available through energy suppliers and sometimes through your council. Check the options here. Note that landlords are not obliged to have works done on homes rated E or above and you have no extra protection from getting evicted.

A home that is difficult to heat properly is also at risk of condensation and mould – we have more information here.

Want to find out more? Watch our online webinar with expert speakers bringing you guidance on keeping your home warm here