As the colder weather sets in, keeping your rental home warm without overspending becomes a top priority. Energy costs remain a concern for tenants across the UK, and for those renting older or larger homes, the challenge can be even greater.
The good news is that you don’t need to make expensive changes to cut costs. By taking simple, smart steps, you can improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and keep bills manageable. From understanding your EPC rating to knowing what your landlord is responsible for, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters More Than Ever
Energy bills are one of the biggest outgoings for households, and tenants are not immune to rising costs. In fact, renters in larger or older homes often face higher bills than those in modern builds. Single-glazed windows, outdated heating systems, and poor insulation are common in older properties, and all contribute to wasted energy.
With affordability stretched, every small action helps. By making a few adjustments and working with your landlord, you can cut costs and keep your home warmer this winter.
Simple Tips to Reduce Energy Usage (Without a Big Spend)
The quickest way to start saving money is to use less energy without compromising on comfort. Here are some easy, budget-friendly ideas:
- Turn down the thermostat: Reducing the temperature by just one degree could save around £100 a year.
- Use timers: Heat your home when you actually need it, for example, just before you wake up or return from work.
- Close doors: Keep heat in the rooms you use most by shutting internal doors.
- Layer up: Warm clothes and blankets allow you to run the heating for fewer hours each day.
- Switch appliances off fully: Many gadgets use power even when on standby. Unplug chargers, TVs, and consoles when not in use.
- Laundry habits: Wash clothes at 30°C and only run full loads. Air-dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer where possible.
- Cook smart: Use lids on pans, batch cook meals, and only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle.
- Curtains and blinds: Open them in the day to let in natural heat, then close them at dusk to trap warmth inside.
These small adjustments are easy to make and can add up to noticeable savings over the course of a winter.
How to Check Your EPC Rating, And What It Means
Every rental property in the UK is legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This rating runs from A, which is the most efficient, to G, which is the least efficient. The certificate also includes an estimate of annual energy costs and suggestions for improvements.
Why EPCs matter for tenants
- Running costs: Homes with a higher rating are cheaper to heat. A property with a C rating may cost hundreds of pounds less per year to run than one with an E rating.
- Legal protection: Landlords cannot usually rent out homes below an EPC rating of E, unless they have an exemption.
- Decision-making: If you are viewing different properties, EPCs can help you compare long-term affordability, not just monthly rent.
Where to find your EPC
- Ask your landlord or letting agent for a copy.
- Search the government’s online EPC register using the property’s address.
By understanding your EPC, you will know what to expect from your energy bills and whether improvements are possible.
What Landlords Are Expected to Cover
As a tenant, you have responsibilities to use your home sensibly, but landlords are legally obliged to provide a safe and habitable property. That includes making sure the home is reasonably energy efficient.
Landlords are responsible for
- Heating and hot water systems, including boilers and radiators
- The property’s structure and exterior, such as walls, roofs, windows, and doors
- Plumbing and sanitation
- Electrical wiring and any appliances they have supplied
- Ensuring the property meets the minimum EPC rating (currently E or above)
Tenants are responsible for
- Everyday tasks such as replacing lightbulbs or fuses
- Keeping the property ventilated to reduce damp and condensation
- Using heating and appliances responsibly
- Reporting repair issues promptly
Understanding this split helps you know when you can request action from your landlord — and when it is up to you.
Why It’s Worth Reporting Small Issues Early
A small draught, a leaky pipe, or a radiator that does not heat properly might not seem urgent. But left unresolved, these problems can drive up your bills and affect your comfort.
Common issues to report
- Draughty windows or doors: Frames that don’t close properly let heat escape.
- Boiler problems: Strange noises, pressure loss, or intermittent heating can signal faults.
- Cold radiators: May need bleeding, balancing, or a system check.
- Signs of damp or mould: Often caused by poor ventilation or leaks. These can spread quickly if ignored.
How to report effectively
- Notify your landlord or letting agent in writing, ideally by email.
- Include photos where possible.
- Keep a record of when you reported the issue.
By acting quickly, you save money, protect the property, and ensure you stay comfortable through the winter.
Seasonal Checks Tenants Can Do Themselves
Alongside repairs, tenants can carry out a few simple checks to keep things running smoothly.
- Bleed radiators if they are cold at the top.
- Check boiler pressure is within the recommended range.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly.
- Keep vents clear to maintain airflow and reduce dampness.
- Monitor energy use with a smart meter if one is installed.
These small tasks only take minutes but can make your home more efficient and safer.
Everyday Energy-Saving Habits
Making energy efficiency part of your routine will help you save throughout the winter.
- Take shorter showers to reduce hot water use.
- Fill the kettle with only what you need.
- Do not leave lights on in empty rooms.
- Use energy-efficient LED bulbs if your landlord has not already provided them.
- Share responsibility in shared houses, making sure everyone plays their part in cutting waste.
Thinking Ahead When Choosing Your Next Rental
If you are planning to move, it pays to consider energy efficiency when viewing new properties. Ask about:
- The EPC rating
- The age and type of heating system
- Whether the windows are single or double glazed
- What insulation is in place
Sometimes a slightly higher rent in a more efficient property can actually save you money overall when bills are factored in. At Hunters, we always encourage tenants to ask these questions so they can make the right choice for their budget and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Saving money on bills in your rental home this winter does not require big investments. Simple actions such as draught-proofing, checking your EPC rating, reporting issues early, and adopting everyday energy-saving habits can have a real impact.
Landlords play an important role too, and by understanding their responsibilities, you can ensure your home remains safe, efficient, and comfortable.
At Hunters, we are here to help tenants find homes that suit their lifestyle and budget.
Explore available properties to rent with Hunters today and find a home that keeps you warm and your bills under control.
