As the nights draw in and the cold weather sets across the UK, tenants everywhere brace for higher energy bills. But rising costs don’t have to mean freezing evenings or eye-watering statements. With a few practical steps, you can keep your rental home warmer and your wallet healthier.
This guide is tailored for tenants, especially those living in older properties or houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and it covers quick fixes, how to make sense of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and what your landlord should (and shouldn’t) be responsible for.
Quick Draught Fixes and Low-Cost Heating Tips
Draughts are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss, and they’re especially common in older or shared homes. The good news? Most fixes are cheap and easy.
Block Draughts at Their Source
- Doors: Use draught excluders or even roll up an old towel to stop cold air seeping under doors.
- Windows: Self-adhesive draught-proofing strips are inexpensive and can be fitted in minutes.
- Keyholes and letterboxes: Keyhole covers and brush letterbox flaps cost just a few pounds but make a noticeable difference.
Use Your Curtains Wisely
Heavy curtains act as a natural insulator. Keep them open during the day to let in sunlight and shut them tight once dusk falls to trap warmth.
Heat the Room You’re In
If you live in a shared house or large rental, focus on heating the spaces you actually use. Portable heaters can be effective if used sparingly, but make sure they’re safe and energy-efficient.
Layer Up Your Home (and Yourself)
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best: rugs over bare floors, throws on sofas, and layers of clothing can all help. Small changes add up to big savings over the winter.
What an EPC Tells You, And Why It Matters
Every rental property in the UK must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This document grades a property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
Why You Should Care About Your EPC
- Running costs: A higher-rated property is cheaper to heat and maintain.
- Comfort levels: Poor insulation means not just higher bills, but a colder, damper home.
- Future upgrades: Landlords are increasingly required to improve energy efficiency. An EPC gives you a clue as to what’s already been done.
How to Check Yours
Your landlord or letting agent should provide a copy, but you can also check online via the government’s EPC register. If your home has a low rating (E or below), it’s worth raising this with your landlord, especially if you’re struggling with bills.
Related: How to improve your property’s EPC on a budget
What Your Landlord Should Cover, And When to Chase It Up
Tenants often wonder where their responsibilities end and their landlord’s begin, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency.
Landlord Responsibilities
By law, landlords must:
- Provide a safe, habitable home.
- Ensure heating systems and hot water installations are in good working order.
- Keep the structure and exterior of the property in repair, including windows and doors.
- Meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES), which requires most rented homes to have an EPC rating of at least E.
When to Raise Concerns
If you’re constantly dealing with draughty windows, a broken boiler, or damp caused by poor insulation, your landlord may need to act. Always report issues in writing and keep records of your communication.
Tips for Reporting Repairs Before They Become Expensive
It can feel awkward to “chase” your landlord, but delaying often makes things worse, and pricier.
Report Early, Save Later
- Leaky windows can lead to mould, which is not just a health risk but also a costly repair.
- Boiler issues rarely fix themselves. Report strange noises, leaks, or inconsistent heating straight away.
- Damp patches may be caused by something as simple as blocked gutters, if flagged quickly, they’re cheap to fix.
How to Report Effectively
- Be specific: Note the location, time of day, and nature of the problem.
- Include photos: A picture of a leaking pipe or damaged seal speeds things up.
- Keep a record: Always follow up verbal requests with an email or written note.
Related: Top tips for safeguarding your property from damp
Extra Tips for Tenants to Cut Costs
Beyond draught-proofing and repairs, here are a few more habits that can trim your bills this winter:
- Use timers on heating: Heat when you need it, not all day.
- Bleed radiators: If they’re colder at the top than the bottom, they’re not working efficiently.
- Switch suppliers (if possible): Even in a rental, you can usually change gas and electricity suppliers.
- Be smart with shared bills: In HMOs, set clear agreements on heating use to avoid disputes (and unnecessary costs).
Why Winter Is the Right Time to Act
Many tenants wait until the depths of winter to raise concerns, but by then it’s often too late, repairs take longer, bills are already high, and small problems have worsened. Acting early not only makes your home more comfortable but also puts you in a stronger position with your landlord.
Final Thoughts
At Whitegates, we know how important it is for tenants to find a home that’s affordable to run as well as comfortable to live in. That’s why we always highlight EPC ratings and energy-efficient features in our listings.
If you’re looking for a property that keeps you warm without the hefty bills, start your search today.
Search for affordable, energy-efficient rentals with Whitegates.
