How to Reduce Energy Bills in a Rented Flat

Rented flats can be chilly and expensive to heat, especially if they're older or poorly insulated. The good news is that you don't need to spend a fortune or make permanent alterations to cut your energy bills. With a few clever, low-cost changes that won't upset your landlord or risk your deposit, you can keep warmer for less.

Seal the gaps that steal your heat

Draughts are one of the biggest causes of heat loss in flats. Cold air sneaks in around windows, doors, letterboxes and even keyholes, making your heating work harder. Start by identifying the worst spots on a windy day – hold a lit incense stick near edges to feel the breeze.

• Removable draught excluders: Use self-adhesive foam or brush strips on windows and doors, but check they won't damage paintwork. If worried, try removable window shrink-film kits – apply with a hairdryer and peel off later.
• Letterbox and keyhole covers: These are cheap, screw-on or stick-on, and easy to remove when you leave. A simple fabric flap or brush strip makes a big difference.
• Door snakes and brushes: For internal doors and the main front door if it's draughty. You can make your own from old tights and rice, or buy a fabric one.
• Chimney draughts: If your flat has an open fireplace, a chimney balloon (if allowed) stops warm air escaping. Ask your landlord first, or use a temporary draught excluder pillow.

Also close curtains at dusk to trap heat, but keep them away from radiators so warmth can circulate.

Take control of your radiators and thermostat

Many renters never touch the heating controls, but they're your best tool for saving money. If you have thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), use them to set different temperatures in each room. Keep living areas at 20°C and bedrooms at 18°C, and turn radiators down in rooms you don't use – but don't turn them off completely in winter, as that can encourage damp and mould.

• Bleed your radiators: If they're warm at the bottom but cold at the top, trapped air is wasting energy. Ask your landlord for a radiator key, or buy one cheaply. Bleed them once a year when the heating is off and cool.
• Don't block the heat: Avoid putting furniture, drying racks or long curtains directly in front of radiators. If you dry clothes indoors, use a rack in a well-ventilated room, not over a radiator.
• Adjust your boiler flow temperature: If you have a combi boiler and safe access, lowering the flow temperature to around 55–60°C can cut gas use. Check your manual or ask a qualified engineer – don't attempt anything you're unsure about.
• Use timers wisely: Set your heating to come on only when you're home, rather than running all day. A programmable thermostat or simple timer can save money.

If your flat has no thermostat at all, ask your landlord to install one – it's a reasonable request that benefits the property.

Switch to LED lighting and tame your appliances

Lighting is one of the easiest wins. Traditional bulbs waste most of their energy as heat. Replace them with LED bulbs, which use up to 90% less electricity and last for years. If your landlord supplied the original bulbs, keep them in a drawer and swap them back when you move out.

• Turn off lights: Get into the habit of switching off when you leave a room. Use plug timers or smart plugs for lamps, but avoid leaving devices on standby – that phantom load adds up.
• Wash smart: Run washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads, and use the eco setting or 30°C cycle. Air-dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer, which is one of the most energy-hungry appliances.
• Fridge and freezer: Keep them away from radiators and direct sunlight, and clean the coils at the back. Don't overfill – cold air needs to circulate.
• Kettle and cooking: Boil only the water you need. Use a lid on pans, and choose a microwave or air fryer over a big oven when you can.

Hot water and daily habits that add up

Heating water is expensive, so small changes to your routine can make a real difference. Take shorter showers rather than deep baths – a five-minute shower uses far less water and energy. If you have a dripping hot tap, report it to your landlord straight away; a steady drip wastes both water and the energy used to heat it.

• Layers before heating: Put on a jumper, thick socks and a dressing gown before turning up the thermostat. Use blankets and hot water bottles in the evening.
• Ventilate to avoid mould: While you're keeping heat in, don't seal your flat so tightly that condensation builds up. Open a window briefly each day, especially after cooking or showering, and use extractor fans if you have them.
• Report problems early: A broken boiler, faulty radiator or poor insulation isn't just uncomfortable – it's costing you money. Tell your landlord in writing as soon as you notice an issue.

When to involve your landlord – and where to get help

Some energy improvements are the landlord's responsibility. If your flat has single glazing, no loft insulation, an old inefficient boiler or persistent damp, you can ask for upgrades. Put your request in writing, explain how it will save energy and reduce wear on the property. Landlords in the UK must ensure the property meets certain energy efficiency standards, and they can't unreasonably refuse reasonable requests.

If your landlord ignores serious problems, contact your local council's environmental health or private rented sector team. If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, contact your supplier – they must offer a payment plan and may have grants or schemes like the Warm Home Discount. Your council may also offer support through the Household Support Fund. And if you're at risk of homelessness because of rent or energy arrears, speak to your council's housing options team early – they have a duty to help prevent homelessness.

With a few renter-friendly tweaks and the right conversations, you can lower your bills and stay warm – without risking your tenancy or deposit.