With cooler weather on the way, many tenants are bracing for the challenge of keeping warm without breaking the bank. Rising energy costs combined with the steady increase in rental prices have left households across the UK searching for practical ways to make savings. Recent data from the Rightmove House Price Index and the Zoopla Rental Market Report show just how stretched many tenants are feeling, with affordability tightening and energy efficiency becoming an increasingly important factor when choosing a home.
The good news is that there are plenty of budget-friendly steps you can take to reduce your bills this winter, even if you are renting and cannot make major changes to the property. From draught-proofing tips to understanding your EPC rating, this guide will help you cut costs while staying comfortable.
Related: Top Money Tips for Renters
The Rental Market and Why Energy Efficiency Matters
According to the latest figures from Rightmove HPI, the average advertised rent outside London has increased year-on-year, putting additional strain on tenants’ budgets. Zoopla’s Rental Price Index also highlights a slowdown in rental growth but confirms that affordability remains stretched in many regions.
When rents are climbing, the last thing tenants want is high utility bills on top. This is why energy performance has become such a critical factor. Properties with higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings are generally cheaper to run, which can save hundreds of pounds annually. As a tenant, it pays to understand how your home’s EPC rating affects your bills and how you can make the most of it.
Related: Top Tips to Save Energy
Budget-Friendly Draught-Proofing Tips
One of the quickest and cheapest ways to reduce heating costs is to keep warm air in and cold air out. Fortunately, many draught-proofing measures are low-cost, landlord-friendly, and easy to remove when you move out.
- Use draught excluders at the bottom of doors. These cost just a few pounds but can make a noticeable difference.
- Seal gaps with removable tape around windows or doors. Look for products designed for tenants that don’t damage paintwork.
- Add thermal curtains or blinds. They help insulate windows and prevent heat loss.
- Lay down rugs on bare floors to reduce cold air rising through gaps in floorboards.
- Window film kits are inexpensive and can reduce heat loss through single glazing.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, effective draught-proofing could save around £45 per year in an average UK home. It may not sound like much, but combined with other measures, the savings add up.
Making the Most of Your EPC Rating
Your property’s EPC rating is a valuable tool for understanding how energy efficient it is. Ratings run from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The higher the rating, the lower your expected energy bills.
Tenants can check their home’s EPC by asking their landlord or by searching the government’s EPC register online. If you are in a lower-rated property, don’t despair, there are still ways to maximise efficiency.
- Use smart heating controls if available. Programming heating to match your schedule avoids wasted energy.
- Bleed radiators to ensure they are heating efficiently.
- Keep doors closed between heated and unheated rooms.
- Use LED bulbs which are far cheaper to run than halogen or incandescent lights.
Understanding and acting on your EPC information puts you in control, even if you cannot change the fabric of the property itself.
Related: Important News About Energy Performance Certificates
Reporting Repair Issues Early
Small problems can quickly turn into costly issues if left unreported. A dripping tap wastes litres of water daily, while a poorly sealed window can increase heating costs.
Tenants have a responsibility to notify landlords about maintenance issues promptly. In return, landlords are legally obligated to maintain certain elements of the property, including heating systems, boilers, and the structure of the home.
Best practice includes:
- Reporting issues in writing and keeping a copy for your records.
- Taking photos of the problem to share with your landlord or letting agent.
- Following up if repairs are not dealt with in a reasonable timeframe.
Being proactive protects your comfort and your budget.
What Landlords Are (and Aren’t) Responsible For
It is important to understand what landlords must legally provide. In the UK, landlords are typically responsible for:
- Heating and hot water systems
- Plumbing and sanitation
- The structure and exterior of the property
- Electrical wiring and gas appliances supplied with the property
Tenants, meanwhile, are expected to:
- Look after the property day-to-day
- Replace lightbulbs and fuses
- Use heating and appliances responsibly
By knowing your rights and responsibilities, you can avoid unnecessary costs while ensuring essential repairs are handled by the landlord.
Communication and Energy Efficiency
Open communication with your landlord or letting agent can be one of the most effective tools in cutting bills. Many landlords are open to making small improvements if tenants raise them, especially when they improve the property’s long-term value.
For example, you could:
- Ask about upgrading to LED lighting.
- Suggest draft excluders for external doors.
- Inquire about fitting smart meters if they are not already installed.
These conversations can be easier when framed around mutual benefit: lower bills for you and an improved property standard for the landlord.
Everyday Habits That Reduce Bills
Alongside property-specific measures, everyday habits make a huge difference.
- Turn down the thermostat by 1°C. This could save up to £100 per year on heating.
- Wash clothes at 30°C. Modern detergents work well at lower temperatures.
- Use lids on pans when cooking to retain heat.
- Switch appliances off at the plug. Standby mode still uses energy.
- Track usage with a smart meter. Real-time data makes it easier to spot waste.
These small changes are easy to implement and can be highly effective over the winter months.
Related: Keeping Warm this Winter
Preparing for Next Winter – Thinking Ahead
Even as you work to save money this winter, it is worth planning ahead. Energy performance should be high on your checklist when choosing your next rental. A property with an EPC rating of C or above will generally be much more cost-effective to run than one rated D or below.
Belvoir can help tenants find properties that balance affordability with energy efficiency. If you are thinking about moving, or if you are a landlord considering selling or letting your property, now is an excellent time to act.
Conclusion
Saving money on bills in your rental home this winter does not need to be complicated. By draught-proofing, making the most of your EPC rating, reporting repairs early, and adopting smarter everyday habits, tenants can reduce costs while staying warm. Clear communication with landlords and thinking ahead to your next rental will also pay dividends in the long run.
At Belvoir, we are committed to helping tenants and landlords alike navigate the challenges of today’s market. Whether you are searching for your next rental or considering a property valuation, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Find your next rental with Belvoir or book a free valuation today.
