With energy prices still a concern across the UK, many renters are looking for ways to manage costs without sacrificing comfort. For tenants, especially those in older homes or shared properties, keeping bills under control can be challenging, but the good news is that small changes and smart habits can make a big difference.
In this practical guide, we will explore low-cost energy-saving tips for everyday living, explain what your EPC rating means for your bills, outline what landlords are responsible for under current regulations, and highlight why reporting repairs early is so important.
By the end, you will have a clear plan for keeping your home warm and your costs down this winter.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters for Renters
Household energy bills remain higher than in previous years despite some stabilisation in the market. For tenants, this can create extra pressure, since you do not always have the option of making big improvements to the property.
Older homes, in particular, may have less insulation, single glazing, or less efficient heating systems. That means they need more energy to stay warm. Renters also often share properties, where habits differ, making energy use less predictable.
The key is focusing on what you can control: small changes to how you use energy, understanding your rights as a tenant, and keeping on top of maintenance.
Related: Energy efficiency in rental properties
Low-Cost Energy-Saving Tips for Everyday Living
Let’s start with the everyday habits that cost little or nothing but can make a noticeable dent in your bills.
Heating and hot water
- Turn the thermostat down: Lowering the temperature by just one degree could save around £100 per year.
- Use timers: Program the heating to come on shortly before you wake up and switch off when you leave the house.
- Heat the rooms you use most: Shut doors and turn off radiators in unused spaces.
- Bleed radiators: If the top feels cold, release trapped air so they heat more efficiently.
Appliances and lighting
- Switch appliances off fully: TVs, consoles, and chargers use energy on standby. Unplug when not in use.
- Do full laundry loads: Washing at 30°C is effective and cheaper. Air-dry clothes where possible.
- Use LED bulbs: They use up to 80 per cent less energy than traditional bulbs.
Cooking and kitchen habits
- Use lids on pans: They trap heat and reduce cooking time.
- Batch cook meals: Reheating uses less energy than cooking from scratch every night.
- Only boil what you need: Fill the kettle with just the water you intend to use.
Simple draught-proofing
- Place draught excluders under doors.
- Use temporary window film or self-adhesive strips to seal gaps.
- Close curtains at dusk to trap heat inside.
- Lay down rugs on bare floors for extra insulation.
These quick wins are low effort but add up to meaningful savings over a few winter months.
How to Understand Your EPC and What It Means for Bills
Every rental property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This document provides a rating from A, which is the most efficient, to G, which is the least efficient. It also estimates annual running costs and suggests improvements.
Why EPC ratings matter for tenants
- Running costs: A higher EPC rating usually means lower energy bills. Properties rated C or above will generally be cheaper to heat than those rated D or below.
- Legal compliance: Landlords cannot usually rent out properties rated below an E unless they have an exemption.
- Transparency: EPCs help you compare properties not just on rent but on total cost of living.
How to check your EPC
- Ask your landlord or letting agent for a copy.
- Search the government’s free EPC register online using the property’s address.
If your property has a lower rating, do not panic. You can still reduce your bills with good habits, but the EPC helps you know what to expect. It can also be a starting point for conversations with your landlord about potential improvements.
Related: EPC ratings explained – Your guide to understanding EPC certificates
What Landlords Are Responsible For Under Current Regulations
As a tenant, it is important to understand your landlord’s obligations. While you are responsible for day-to-day care of the property, landlords must ensure that it meets certain standards.
Landlord responsibilities include:
- Maintaining heating and hot water systems, such as boilers and radiators.
- Ensuring the structure and exterior of the property is in good repair.
- Keeping plumbing, sanitation, and drainage in working order.
- Maintaining electrical wiring and appliances supplied with the property.
- Meeting the minimum EPC rating requirements.
Tenant responsibilities include:
- Replacing lightbulbs, fuses, and carrying out basic upkeep.
- Ventilating the property to prevent condensation and mould.
- Using appliances responsibly.
- Reporting repair issues promptly.
This clear split ensures that landlords provide a safe, habitable property, while tenants take care of everyday use.
When to Report Repairs Before They Become a Bigger Problem
One of the best ways to keep bills down is to report issues as soon as they appear. Small problems can escalate quickly, wasting energy and costing more in the long run.
Issues worth reporting promptly
- Boiler faults: Strange noises, low pressure, or irregular heating.
- Windows and doors: Frames that don’t close properly or obvious draughts.
- Cold radiators: If they stay cold even after bleeding, the system may need attention.
- Leaks and damp patches: These can reduce insulation and damage the property.
- Broken extractor fans: Without ventilation, condensation builds up, leading to mould.
How to report effectively
- Contact your landlord or managing agent in writing.
- Include photos of the problem.
- Keep records of dates and follow-ups.
Being proactive not only protects your comfort but also ensures your landlord can meet their legal obligations to maintain the property.
Seasonal Checks Tenants Can Do Themselves
While landlords cover major repairs, tenants can take some simple steps to keep their homes running efficiently.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
- Check boiler pressure is within the recommended range.
- Keep radiators clear of furniture to let heat circulate.
- Clear condensation from windows to reduce dampness.
- Monitor usage with a smart meter if one is installed.
These habits take minutes but help keep your home safe and bills lower.
Everyday Energy-Saving Habits to Build Into Your Routine
Energy efficiency works best when it becomes part of your everyday lifestyle. Here are some final habits worth building into your routine:
- Take shorter showers to reduce hot water use.
- Switch off lights in rooms you are not using.
- Use natural daylight as much as possible.
- Share responsibility in shared homes so everyone contributes to lowering costs.
Even in smaller flats or older properties, these daily choices can make a big difference.
Related: What is the average energy bill in the UK?
Thinking Ahead to Your Next Rental
If you are planning to move, energy performance should be part of your property search. Ask the following questions when viewing:
- What is the EPC rating?
- How old is the boiler, and when was it last serviced?
- Are windows single or double glazed?
- Is there insulation in the loft or walls?
Choosing a property with better efficiency could mean lower bills overall, even if the rent itself is slightly higher.
At Martin & Co., we help tenants find homes that balance affordability, comfort, and energy efficiency, so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Saving money on bills in your rental home this winter does not have to be complicated. By adopting low-cost energy-saving habits, understanding your EPC rating, knowing your landlord’s responsibilities, and reporting small issues before they become bigger problems, you can take control of your energy use and cut costs.
At Martin & Co., we are here to support tenants every step of the way.
Search for available rental properties with Martin & Co. today and find a home that is warm, efficient, and right for you.
