Britain's growing army of property renters urged to get a grip on energy bills
28-08-2012
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Just 38% have switched to a cheaper supplier while over a quarter, 27%, pay little or no interest in the energy efficiency of their home, according to a survey by price comparison company uSwitch. Less than a third of private renters, 31%, are aware that they can switch energy suppliers, subject to their rental contract and 33% say that renting makes them less likely to think about switching energy suppliers.
The research also found that 28% think that being a tenant makes it more difficult for them to switch while 19% say that landlords don't want to be bothered by tenants about things like switching. While over a third, 35%, of private renters agree that it is up to them to take control of their household bills just 16% think a landlord would welcome a tenant trying to secure a lower cost energy deal.
Also some 41% of say that the home they are currently living in has little or no energy efficiency measures installed. Just 6% say that it is extremely energy efficient. There is also confusion over what they can do. Some 35% acknowledged that it is up to them to take control of their household bills, but 30% said they are less likely to switch because they don't think their landlord will allow it and 15% have doubts over whether suppliers will even allow tenants to switch while 35% see no point in switching as they won't be living there long term. With more and more people renting, it's vital that people don't feel that being a tenant means relinquishing the right to control their household bills. The fact is that if your name is on the bill you have the right to shop around for a better energy deal. If your rental contract says otherwise, then talk to your landlord or letting agent.
At the end of the day it is in both parties' interests for rented homes to be on a cost effective tariff and as energy efficient as possible,? said Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch. Now is also a good time for private landlords to look at energy efficiency. Energy suppliers have a pot of money to spend on making their customers' homes energy efficient and only have until the end of this year to spend it in order to hit Government targets. As a result, there are now a huge number of offers for home insulation, ranging from the free to the heavily subsidised. Taking advantage of these now would benefit both landlords and tenants, as a minimum outlay will see lower energy bills and a more attractive, rentable home,? she added.
