How to Save Money on Utility Bills in Your Rental Home (UK Guide)

Take Control of Your Energy Costs with These Simple, Money-Saving Tips

Saving on utility bills is an important consideration for many renters, especially as energy costs continue to rise. If you’re living in a rental property in the UK under a short-hold tenancy, there are plenty of easy and effective ways to cut down on energy consumption without compromising on comfort. Here's how you can take control of your utility bills.

1. Understand Your Bills First, it’s essential to understand what you’re paying for. Generally, your utility bills will include gas, electricity, and water. To get started:

• Check the tariff: Are you on a standard variable tariff or a fixed-rate plan? Fixed-rate plans can often be cheaper. Review your usage: Look at past bills to see patterns in your energy consumption.
• Shop around: Use price comparison websites like Uswitch or Compare the Market to see if you can switch to a cheaper provider. However, this may be subject to the terms of your tenancy, so check with your landlord first.
  
  2. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting

One of the simplest ways to save money is by switching to LED bulbs. They use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer. If your rental doesn’t already have energy-efficient lighting, ask your landlord if you can replace the bulbs—it’s a small investment that pays off quickly.

3. Use Appliances Smartly

Your appliances play a significant role in your energy costs. Here’s how to use them efficiently:

• Laundry: Wash clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C or 60°C – it’s cheaper and just as effective. Only run your washing machine when it’s full.
• Dishwasher: If your property has one, only use it when it’s full and set it to the eco mode.
• Fridge/freezer: Keep your fridge at 3–5°C and your freezer at -18°C. Make sure seals are tight to prevent cold air from escaping.
• Kettle: Only boil the amount of water you need. Overfilling wastes both electricity and time.
  
  4. Control Your Heating

Heating is often the biggest contributor to high energy bills. To reduce costs:

Lower the thermostat: Reducing the temperature by just 1°C can save up to 10% on your heating bill.

• Use a timer: Set your heating to come on only when you’re at home, and use a programmable thermostat if possible.
• Bleed radiators: If your radiators aren’t heating properly, bleeding them can improve efficiency.
• Draught-proof your home: Use draught excluders or weatherstrips on doors and windows to keep warmth in. These are inexpensive and can make a noticeable difference.
  
  5. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Rates

If you’re on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff, electricity costs less during off-peak hours (typically overnight). Use this to your advantage by running appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and chargers during these times.

6. Check Your Water Usage

Reducing water usage can save both money and the environment. Some tips include:

• Install a water-saving showerhead: These reduce water usage without compromising pressure.
• Fix leaks: Report any dripping taps or leaks to your landlord immediately—small leaks can waste large amounts of water. Limit shower time: Aim for 4–5 minutes to save on both water and heating costs.
  
  7. Utilise Smart Meters Smart meters help you track your energy usage in real-time. Many landlords are happy to install them upon request, and they allow you to understand when and where you’re using the most energy so you can adjust your habits.
  
  8. Switch Off and Unplug This simple step can make a significant difference. Switch off lights, appliances, and devices when not in use. Avoid leaving electronics on standby—unplug them to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
  
  9. Inquire About Energy Efficiency Upgrades If your rental home has an old boiler, single-glazed windows, or poor insulation, it could be driving up your energy costs. While landlords aren’t required to make upgrades unless the property falls below the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), it’s worth asking if they’d consider improvements. Energy-efficient properties benefit both tenants and landlords in the long term.
  
  10. Take Advantage of Discounts and Schemes

In the UK, several schemes can help reduce energy costs:

• Warm Home Discount: Check if you qualify for this one-off discount on your electricity bill.
• WaterSure Scheme: If you’re on a water meter and meet certain criteria, you may be able to cap your water bills.
• Energy-saving grants: Your local council may offer grants for energy-saving improvements, such as insulation. Your landlord may be able to arrange this for your property.
  
  11. Share Costs in House Shares

If you’re sharing a rental property, ensure everyone contributes equally to utility costs. Apps like Splitwise can help track shared expenses and avoid confusion.

Final Thoughts

Saving on utility bills in your rental home doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional changes can lead to significant savings over time. At Argant Estates, we’re committed to helping tenants feel comfortable and financially secure in their homes. If you have any questions or need advice regarding your rental property, don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re here to help!