I’m Renting. Can I Still Cut My Energy Bills?

• Yes, there’s lots you can do yourself, even if you can’t change the property
• Small changes to how you heat, light and run appliances can save hundreds a year
• Talking to your landlord, with the right info, can unlock bigger energy improvements

If you’re worried about rising energy bills, but feel stuck because you rent, you’re not alone. Many people think energy efficiency is only for homeowners, but that is simply not the case. LEAP provides energy advice for tenants to help them have more control over their home expenses, cut energy costs and stay warm this winter.

In this blog, we’ll share some quick wins you can try today, plus tips on how to work with your landlord to get bigger changes underway.

Know your home (and your rights as a renter)

If you pay the energy bills, you can usually:

• Choose or switch tariff and supplier (unless your landlord pays and recharges you)
• Ask for a smart meter if your supplier offers one
• Get support if you’re in debt or use a prepayment meter

Your home should also have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC.) This tells you how efficient the property is, from A (most efficient) to G (least.) Landlords normally must have an EPC and in most cases can’t rent out homes below band E unless they’re officially exempt.

Don’t have your EPC? You can look it up online, or ask your landlord or letting agent for a copy. LEAP can also help you find it and use it to make a simple action plan during an advice call.

Quick, free wins you can do yourself

The Energy Saving Trust has a variety of tips for renters that prove everyday habits really do add up. Try these small changes to get started:

Switch things off properly

Turn appliances off at the wall instead of leaving them on standby. That alone could trim around £40-£50 off a typical bill per year.

Use lights smarter (and go LED)

Switch lights off when you leave a room. When bulbs fail, replace them with LEDs as they use far less electricity and last longer.

Wash and dry clothes differently

Wash at 30°C and wait for a full load. Avoid using the tumble dryer if you can. Drying on an airer in a ventilated room is cheaper and reduces damp and mould risks. Try not to dry clothes directly on radiators, as this makes the heating work harder and adds moisture to the air. Heated airers are available to eligible households via a home visit, as part of LEAP’s Appliance Scheme.

Only use the kettle and dishwasher when needed

Only boil what you need and run the dishwasher (if you have one) when it’s full. These changes sound tiny, but used every day they make a difference over a year.

Get more from your heating

If you have a room thermostat, set it at the lowest comfortable temperature (usually 18-21°C) and use timers so the heating is on only when needed. Turning the thermostat down by just 1°C can save around £90 a year in some homes, without affecting your comfort.

For more energy advice for tenants, LEAP can talk them through with you, step by step, based on your home and specific needs.

When to ask your landlord for bigger improvements

Some energy upgrades are out of your hands, but firmly in your landlord’s interest:

• Professional draught-proofing of doors, windows and chimneys
• Loft, wall or floor insulation
• Better heating controls, like programmers and thermostatic radiator valves in each room

These can boost the EPC rating, cut bills and make the home easier to heat, which is good for both you and your landlord.

A few tips for starting the conversation:

• Use your EPC: point out the recommended improvements on it
• Put things in writing: an email keeps a record
• Mention funding: in some areas there are grants or schemes that can help with insulation or heating upgrades. LEAP can check what might be available and provide supporting energy advice to share with your landlord.

Get support from LEAP

Every rented home (in fact, every household) is different. LEAP’s advisors can:

• Review your bills, meters and heating controls
• Help you find your EPC and turn it into a simple action plan
• Share practical tips for cutting costs right away

For personalised energy advice for tenants, you can book a free LEAP advice call on 0800 060 7567 or via one of our referral partners. We’ll help you find the easiest steps to a warmer, more affordable home.