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Home efficiency

Energy-saving improvements for renters

As a renter you can't usually insulate walls or change the heating, but you can cut waste with small, reversible changes, and your landlord has legal duties on energy efficiency.

Updated 3 October 2026 · energy.org.uk editorial team

Changes you can usually make yourself

  • Use the heating controls well. Set the room thermostat and timer to match when you are in; see heating controls and boiler flow temperature. Ask your landlord before changing boiler settings.
  • Removable draught-proofing, such as brush strips on doors, chimney balloons and letterbox brushes. Keep vents clear; see draught-proofing.
  • Thick curtains, closed at dusk, and reflective panels behind radiators on outside walls.
  • LED bulbs, which you can take with you when you move.
  • Appliance habits: wash at lower temperatures, fill the kettle only as needed and switch off standby. Check costs in the appliance calculator.
  • Check your tariff and meter readings. You can choose your supplier if you pay the bill directly. See how to read an energy bill.

What your landlord must do

In England and Wales, a privately rented home must normally have an EPC rating of E or better unless the landlord has registered an exemption. The government has confirmed a higher standard that landlords will have to meet by 1 October 2030. You can look up your home's EPC on the official register.

Landlords are also responsible for repairs to the heating and hot water, and for dealing with damp and mould caused by the building.

Check

What to check first

  • Your home's EPC, which shows its rating and recommended improvements.
  • Your tenancy agreement, for anything it says about alterations.
  • Who pays the energy bills: you, or your landlord through the rent.

Do

Practical next steps

  1. Look up your EPC and note the recommendations.
  2. Ask your landlord in writing about improvements, such as loft insulation or a new boiler control. Grant schemes can help landlords; see the support finder.
  3. Report damp, mould or heating faults in writing and keep a copy.
  4. If you get a qualifying benefit, check help with bills in help paying energy bills.

Take care

Important limitations

  • Get your landlord's permission before anything that drills, fixes or changes the property.
  • Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland; check the official guidance for where you live.
  • Social tenants should ask their council or housing association, which manages improvements to its homes.

Related tools and guides

Sources

Official sources checked 3 October 2026.