A Renter’s Guide to Saving Energy

If you’re one of the eight million households renting a home in the UK, you might feel that your hands are tied when it comes to saving energy. Major upgrades like installing new insulation or double glazing are usually the landlord’s decision, not yours. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re the one paying the bills.

The good news is that you have more power than you think. From simple, no-cost habit changes to temporary, damage-free improvements, there are many ways for tenants to cut their energy consumption and lower their bills. This guide will walk you through the practical steps you can take, explain your rights regarding your home’s energy efficiency, and offer advice on how to have a productive conversation with your landlord about making bigger improvements.

Low-Cost Wins and Simple Habit Changes

The quickest way to start saving is by making small adjustments to your daily routines. These changes cost little to nothing but can add up to significant savings over a year. A few key actions can make a noticeable difference to your bills.

In the Kitchen

Your kitchen appliances are major energy consumers, but smarter use can reduce their impact. When using the kettle, try to only boil the amount of water you actually need. For cooking, consider using a slow cooker for certain meals, as it can be more energy-efficient than a conventional oven. When using your fridge, avoid leaving the door open for long periods.

Around the Home

Beyond the kitchen, simple habits make a big difference. When doing laundry, washing your clothes at 30°C and waiting until you have a full load can cut down on electricity and water use. Whenever possible, air-dry your clothes on a rack instead of using a tumble dryer. If you do use a dryer, cleaning the lint filter after every use helps it run more efficiently.

Finally, get into the habit of switching appliances off at the plug rather than leaving them on standby. This simple action alone could save you around £45 a year.

Draught-Proofing Your Rented Home

Draught-proofing is one of the most effective and affordable ways to save energy, and there are plenty of temporary, renter-friendly solutions. A well-draught-proofed home can feel warmer and save you between £60 and £80 a year on heating bills. Focus on the key areas where heat escapes:

• Windows and Doors: Apply self-adhesive foam or brush strips around window frames and door jambs to seal gaps. These are easy to install and remove. For doors, use a simple fabric draught excluder at the bottom, a cover for the keyhole, and a flap or brush for the letterbox.

• Curtains and Window Film: Heavy, thick curtains are excellent at trapping heat. Closing them at dusk can reduce heat loss by 15-17%. For extra insulation on single-glazed windows, you can apply temporary plastic film to the panes, which creates an insulating layer of air.

• Floors and Chimneys: Up to 10% of a home’s heat can be lost through uninsulated floors. If you have bare floorboards, simply laying down rugs can make a noticeable difference. If your property has an unused chimney, a chimney draught excluder or an inflatable chimney balloon is a simple way to block a major source of heat loss.

Important: Be careful not to block intentional ventilation points. Trickle vents on windows, air bricks in walls, and extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms are essential for maintaining good air quality and preventing problems with damp and mould.

Using Your Heating System Efficiently

Getting the most from your heating doesn’t always mean turning it up. Take time to understand your thermostat and heating controls so you can schedule it to come on only when you need it. Make sure radiators aren’t blocked by sofas or other large furniture, as this prevents heat from circulating effectively.

In rooms you don’t use often, it’s better to turn the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) down low rather than turning the radiator off completely. This helps prevent damp and condensation issues that can arise in cold, unheated rooms. To stay warm at night without heating the whole house, consider a warmer duvet, an electric blanket, or a classic hot water bottle.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant

As a tenant, you have legal rights concerning the energy efficiency of your home. Understanding these can empower you to ensure your home meets the required standards.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

When you move into a new rental property, your landlord must provide you with a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This document, which is valid for 10 years, grades your home’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It also provides recommendations for improvements and estimates the potential savings they could bring.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

In England and Wales, it is unlawful for a landlord to grant a new tenancy for a property with an EPC rating of F or G. Since April 2020, this rule has applied to all existing domestic tenancies. This means your rental property must have a minimum rating of E, unless the landlord has registered a valid exemption. Landlords are expected to spend up to £3,500 of their own money to bring a sub-standard property up to an E rating.

The UK government has also proposed plans to raise this minimum standard further, requiring all privately rented homes to reach an EPC rating of C by 2030. The proposed spending cap for landlords to meet this future standard is £10,000.

How to Ask Your Landlord for Improvements

A constructive conversation with your landlord can often lead to positive changes. When you first view a property, it’s a good time to ask about its energy efficiency and whether the landlord would consider making any upgrades.

If you’re already a tenant, approach your landlord with specific, well-researched suggestions. Frame your request around the long-term benefits for them, such as increased property value, lower tenant turnover, and making the property more attractive to future renters. You have a right to request consent for energy efficiency improvements, and if you can secure funding that covers the full cost, your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.

You can strengthen your case by researching government grants that could help fund the work at no cost to the landlord. Schemes like ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (which runs until March 2026) are designed to help households improve their insulation. You can learn more about these in our guide, ‘Home Energy Grants Explained: From ECO4 to the Great British Insulation Scheme’.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my property has an F or G EPC rating?

If you live in England or Wales and your tenancy began or was renewed after the MEES regulations came into force, it is likely unlawful for your landlord to let the property unless they have a valid exemption. You can check your property’s rating on the government’s EPC register. If it is below an E, you should speak to your landlord and, if necessary, report the issue to your local council’s trading standards department.

Can I install draught-proofing without my landlord’s permission?

For temporary, non-damaging measures, you generally do not need permission. This includes using self-adhesive foam strips, fabric draught excluders, heavy curtains, or chimney balloons. These items can be easily removed without leaving a trace when you move out. For any permanent alterations, you must get your landlord’s written permission first.

My landlord won’t make any improvements. What can I do?

If your property is below the minimum standard of EPC band E, your landlord is legally obligated to act. If they refuse, you should contact your local authority. For other improvements, your power is more limited. However, you still have the right to request consent to make improvements yourself, and the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse if you have secured funding to cover the cost.

Small Changes, Big Savings

Living in a rented property doesn’t mean you have to accept high energy bills. By adopting smarter habits, making small, temporary improvements, and understanding your rights, you can create a more comfortable home and make significant savings. Every small change contributes to a lower carbon footprint and more money in your pocket at the end of the month.