Millions of renters forced to ration heating and skip hot meals as energy bills rise — and many cannot switch supplier even when tariffs are cheaper
New findings from Citizens Advice reveal that more than two in five private renters were forced to ration heating last winter, with many skipping hot meals or heating only a single room due to unaffordable energy bills. A third of renters — around 3.5 million people — struggled to heat their homes to a comfortable temperature, and many live in properties that leak heat faster than they can afford to pay for it.
The charity says tenants are adopting “drastic measures” such as wearing gloves indoors, limiting heating to one room, and avoiding hot meals to reduce gas and electricity usage. These behaviours are being driven by a combination of high energy prices and poor energy performance in rental properties.
According to ONS data referenced in the research, 57 per cent of private renters live in homes below EPC Band C — meaning the majority of renters are paying more to heat their home because energy escapes through poor insulation, walls and windows. For homes with the current legal minimum energy rating of E, Citizens Advice estimates renters spent an additional £317 on energy bills last winter compared to those in EPC C-rated homes.
The charity is calling for the Government to enforce long-promised targets requiring landlords to upgrade properties to EPC C by 2030.
However, upgrading rental stock does not solve another hidden issue in the switching process. Many renters are unaware that they can only compare energy prices if the energy account is in their name.
Locked in: When utilities are bundled into rent
In a growing number of rental agreements — particularly in student accommodation and house shares — utilities are bundled into a single monthly rent payment. While convenient, this prevents the tenant from switching suppliers even if cheaper tariffs exist.
Shay, spokesperson for Free Price Compare, says: “Tenants can only switch supplier if they are the named bill payer. When utilities are wrapped into rent, the tenant has no switching rights and ends up stuck on whatever tariff the landlord has negotiated — even if better prices are available.”
Shay adds: “We regularly speak to renters who are paying more than they should because the tariff is locked in by their landlord. Many assume they can switch, only to find they can’t because they aren’t named on the account.”
Renters who pay their supplier directly can begin an energy price comparison at any time and switch to a cheaper tariff with no interruption to supply.
Poor energy efficiency is increasing heating costs
Citizens Advice says “shoddy housing” is causing renters to pay more because heat escapes quickly, meaning heating systems work harder and stay on longer. Damp, draughts and poor insulation are cited as common triggers for increased usage.
Despite this, almost a third of renters surveyed said they avoided asking their landlord for repairs or upgrades for fear of rent increases or tenancy risk. Of those who did ask, some landlords imposed conditions or refused completely.
The charity has urged for stronger protections for renters and enforcement of the Renters’ Rights Bill, stating that people should not fear asking for safe, warm housing.
Where renters are named on the energy account, they can compare energy tariffs to reduce their bills immediately, even if their insulation cannot be improved.
Winter risk: Energy costs forcing tenants into unsafe behaviours
Citizens Advice warns that without intervention, more households will be forced into unsafe coping strategies this winter.
Common behaviours include:
- Heating only one room, leading to damp and mould risk
- Skipping hot meals due to the energy cost of cooking
- Going to bed early to avoid heating the home
- Wearing coats and gloves indoors
Shay says: “No one should have to choose between heating and eating. The most effective step renters can take — if they are named on the bill — is to check whether they are paying more than necessary for their tariff.”
Consumers can compare energy suppliers for both electricity and dual fuel, choose fixed or flexible tariffs, and check whether switching could lower their direct debit.
Call for clarity in rental agreements
Industry analysts argue that rental contracts should be transparent about whether tenants have switching rights, and landlords should inform tenants of the current tariff and unit rates.
For renters who are responsible for the bill, switching remains one of the fastest ways to reduce costs.
Shay concludes: “If you pay the supplier directly, you should treat energy like any other contract and review your tariff regularly. If your landlord pays the bill, ask what tariff you’re on. Clarity empowers renters.”
