Energy Saving Tips for Tenants are becoming increasingly important as energy prices in the UK have increased significantly in recent years. Energy efficiency is now a top concern for renters.
The good news is that you don’t need to own the property to reduce your energy bills. With a few smart habits and low-cost adjustments, tenants can cut energy use, save money, and make their homes more comfortable.
This guide shares practical energy saving tips for tenants that work in rented properties without requiring major modifications or landlord approval. For more ways to reduce household energy consumption, see the guidance from the Energy Saving Trust.
The UK rental sector continues to grow as more people rent long term. Our analysis of why the UK lettings market continues to boom explains the key factors driving rental demand.
Many renters assume they cannot improve energy efficiency because they don’t control property upgrades. However, day-to-day behaviour and small changes can reduce household energy use by 10–30%, according to research from the Energy Saving Trust.
For tenants, the benefits include:
Educational, problem-solving content like this helps renters make informed decisions while building trust through practical advice. If you're interested in understanding how energy prices affect households, you can read more about it in our guide on how to reduce household energy bills.
Heating typically accounts for over half of a household energy bill in the UK, according to Ofgem, so small changes here can make the biggest difference.
Lowering the thermostat by just 1°C can reduce heating costs by around 10%, according to advice from the Energy Saving Trust.
Recommended settings:
If your property has a programmable thermostat:
Simple tenant-friendly methods include:
These steps stop warm air escaping and reduce heating demand.
Many energy saving tips for tenants focus on insulation improvements that do not require permanent property changes.
Tenants often assume insulation upgrades are impossible. While structural changes require landlord approval, there are temporary solutions that still help.
Thick curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25%.
Low-cost window film:
For more information on improving insulation in UK homes, see UK Government energy efficiency advice.
If your rental has wooden or tiled floors, rugs can:
Appliances contribute significantly to electricity bills, especially in shared rental homes.
Modern detergents clean effectively at 30°C, reducing electricity consumption.
Additional tips:
Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-intensive appliances. Drying clothes on a rack can save hundreds of pounds per year.
Many electronics use power even when not in use.
Common culprits include:
Using a power strip with a switch makes it easy to turn everything off at once.
Another important part of energy saving tips for tenants involves reducing hot water consumption.
Heating water also consumes a large portion of household energy.
Reducing shower time by just two minutes can significantly cut energy and water usage.
Cold water works perfectly for:
A dripping hot tap wastes both water and heating energy. If you notice one, report it to your landlord quickly.
Renters should also consider protecting themselves financially with tenant liability insurance in case accidental damage occurs during their tenancy.
Lighting upgrades are one of the easiest energy improvements for renters.
LED bulbs:
More advice on efficient lighting can be found in the Energy Saving Trust lighting guide.
They are inexpensive and easy to take with you when moving.
Open curtains during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Behaviour plays a huge role in energy consumption.
Small changes in the kitchen make a difference:
Fridges work best when:
Also avoid putting hot food straight inside.
While tenants cannot make major changes themselves, landlords are often open to upgrades that increase property value.
Consider asking about:
These improvements can lower tenant energy costs and improve the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.
You can also learn more about landlord energy responsibilities in our article on landlord responsibilities for energy efficiency.
Understanding how much energy you use helps identify waste.
If your property has a smart meter, monitor:
Learn more about how smart meters work from Smart Energy GB.
Look for:
Even small awareness changes can lead to significant savings. You may also want to read our guide on understanding UK energy tariffs.
Here’s a quick summary of the most effective energy saving tips for tenants:
✔ Lower thermostat slightly
✔ Use heating timers
✔ Replace bulbs with LEDs
✔ Turn off standby devices
✔ Wash clothes at 30°C
✔ Air dry laundry
✔ Use thick curtains and rugs
✔ Monitor energy usage
These small actions can reduce energy bills without violating tenancy agreements or making permanent changes.
Renters often believe energy efficiency is outside their control, but that’s not true. By following these energy saving tips for tenants, renters can significantly lower energy bills, improve comfort, and reduce environmental impact.
Even simple steps like switching to LED bulbs, reducing heating slightly, and using appliances more efficiently can make a noticeable difference over time.
