Energy costs are still one of the biggest concerns for renters in the UK. With colder months ahead, many households are worried about how they will keep warm without stretching their budgets even further. At the same time, rental prices have also been rising. Rightmove’s House Price Index shows that affordability is under pressure across the market, and Zoopla’s Rental Price Index reveals that tenants are spending a higher proportion of their income on housing than in previous years.
Against this backdrop, finding ways to reduce energy bills has never been more important. The good news is that you don’t need to make major upgrades to save money. There are plenty of quick, budget-friendly steps tenants can take to keep their homes warmer and bills lower this winter.
Related: 6 Tips For A Warmer Home This Winter
Why Energy Costs Are Such a Concern
Energy bills in the UK have been volatile in recent years, with many households paying significantly more than they were just a few winters ago. While the Ofgem price cap has provided some stability, the average household still faces high costs compared to historic levels.
For tenants, this is a double challenge: not only are they paying higher rents, but they also have less control over big energy-saving upgrades like insulation or double glazing. This makes small, practical steps even more valuable.
Quick Draught-Proofing Tips
Draughts are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss in rental homes, particularly in older properties. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that draught-proofing could save around £45 a year on heating bills, while also making rooms feel more comfortable.
Here are some easy, low-cost fixes tenants can try:
- Draught excluders for doors: A simple fabric draught excluder or a weighted €œdoor snake€ placed at the bottom of doors can stop cold air from rushing in.
- Seal windows with temporary kits: Adhesive draught-proofing strips and cling-film window insulation kits can reduce heat loss. These are removable and won’t damage frames.
- Curtains and blinds: Thick, lined curtains trap heat inside, especially if closed as soon as the sun goes down. For maximum impact, make sure they cover the full window.
- Rugs on bare floors: Hardwood floors and old floorboards often leak cold air. Laying rugs provides insulation underfoot and makes rooms cosier.
- Block unused chimneys: If your rental has a fireplace you don’t use, a chimney balloon or draught stopper can prevent warm air escaping.
Related: Things to Remember this Winter – 5 Winter Maintenance Tips
How to Check and Understand Your EPC
Every rental property in the UK must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This document rates the property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It also provides an estimate of typical energy costs for the home.
How tenants can use EPCs:
- Check before you move in: EPCs are freely available on the government’s online register. Simply enter the property’s address.
- Understand what the rating means: A property rated C or above is considered efficient and should cost less to run. Ratings of D or below usually signal higher bills.
- Review recommendations: EPCs often include suggestions, such as adding insulation or upgrading boilers. While you may not be able to make these changes yourself, it helps you know what to discuss with your landlord.
If you are choosing between two rental properties, the EPC can be a useful comparison tool. Even if the rent is slightly higher on one, a better EPC rating could mean lower running costs in the long run.
Repairs You Should Report Early
Sometimes energy waste isn’t about behaviour, it’s about the condition of the property. Small repair issues can quickly escalate into bigger problems and higher bills if left unchecked.
Here are examples of issues you should report to your landlord or managing agent straight away:
- Windows or doors that don’t close properly: These allow heat to escape and draughts to get in.
- Faulty boilers: Even minor faults can make boilers less efficient, costing more to run.
- Cold radiators: If radiators aren’t heating up fully, the system may need bleeding or servicing.
- Leaks and damp: Damp walls and ceilings reduce insulation and create health risks.
Best practice: Always report issues in writing (such as by email) so you have a record. Include photos where possible. Prompt reporting not only protects your comfort but also ensures your landlord meets their legal obligations.
Who’s Responsible for Energy Efficiency?
In rental properties, energy efficiency is a shared responsibility between landlords and tenants.
Landlord responsibilities:
- Providing a home that meets minimum EPC standards (currently band E or above in most cases).
- Ensuring heating and hot water systems are working and safe.
- Taking care of structural elements, such as walls, roofs, insulation, and windows.
- Repairing appliances or systems supplied with the property.
Tenant responsibilities:
- Using the heating and appliances responsibly.
- Carrying out small maintenance tasks, like changing lightbulbs.
- Keeping the property ventilated to avoid condensation and mould.
- Reporting repair issues promptly.
If you are unsure, check your tenancy agreement for details. Open communication helps €” most landlords want to keep their property in good condition, and many are open to reasonable requests for energy-saving improvements.
Everyday Energy-Saving Habits
Even without major changes, your daily habits can make a big impact on bills.
- Turn the thermostat down by 1 degree: This could save around £100 per year.
- Use heating timers: Heat your home only when you need it, rather than all day.
- Layer up indoors: Wearing warm clothes means you can keep the thermostat slightly lower.
- Wash at lower temperatures: 30°C cycles are usually enough for most laundry.
- Unplug appliances: Devices on standby still use electricity.
- Cook efficiently: Use lids on pans, batch cook, and only boil the water you need.
- Smart meters: If you don’t already have one, ask your supplier. They help you see exactly where your energy is going.
Over the course of a winter, these small actions add up to meaningful savings.
Thinking Ahead €“ Choosing Your Next Rental
If you’re planning to move in the coming year, energy efficiency should be part of your decision-making. Properties with higher EPC ratings not only keep bills lower but are often more comfortable to live in.
When viewing properties:
- Ask to see the EPC.
- Look at the windows if they are double glazed?
- Check heating systems, modern boilers are more efficient.
- Considering loft insulation makes a big difference.
At Northwood, we understand that tenants want homes that are both affordable and comfortable. By factoring energy efficiency into your property search, you’ll set yourself up for lower bills in the winters ahead.
Conclusion
Saving money on bills in your rental home this winter doesn’t need to be complicated. By combining quick draught-proofing tricks, understanding your EPC, reporting repairs promptly, and adopting smart everyday habits, you can make a real difference without major upgrades.
Landlords also play a vital role, and good communication ensures that both parties work together to keep homes efficient. Looking ahead, choosing properties with strong EPC ratings can give tenants peace of mind that their future bills will be easier to manage.
At Northwood, we’re here to help you find a rental property that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Start your search for rental properties with Northwood today.
