What your landlord can charge you for energy

Summary

If your bills are included in your rent and your landlord has increased your rent because of higher energy prices, you might be able to challenge this increase. Your landlord must pass on the full amount of support they get for gas and electricity. They can't charge you more than they’ve paid for gas and electricity - this is called the 'maximum resale price'. This amount includes: * the units of energy you've used - for example, the kilowatt hours you've used for electricity * your share of the standing charge, this is a flat fee charged on every energy contract If your home doesn’t have an energy meter that records how much energy you’ve used, your landlord must estimate as accurately as possible how much you should pay. However, it’s rare that a home won’t have its own meter. Estimated bills should include any discounts your landlord gets on your energy - for example as part of the Energy Price Guarantee. If you don’t have a smart meter, it might be helpful to get one. A smart meter can: * automatically send readings to your supplier so your landlord won’t need to estimate your bill * tell you how much energy you're using and how much it costs Your landlord might charge you.

Key information

• the units of energy you've used - for example, the kilowatt hours you've used for electricity
• your share of the standing charge, this is a flat fee charged on every energy contract
• the VAT owed, this is 5% for energy
• automatically send readings to your supplier so your landlord won’t need to estimate your bill
• tell you how much energy you're using and how much it costs
• lower the charge to the correct amount
• refund you the difference if you’ve already paid
• If your bills are included in your rent and your landlord has increased your rent because of higher energy prices, you might be able to challenge this increase.
• Your landlord must pass on the full amount of support they get for gas and electricity.
• They can't charge you more than they’ve paid for gas and electricity - this is called the 'maximum resale price'. This amount includes:
• the units of energy you've used - for example, the kilowatt hours you've used for electricity
• your share of the standing charge, this is a flat fee charged on every energy contract

Practical guidance

• Source: What your landlord can charge you for energy

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