Can I Switch Energy Supplier as a Tenant?

What this guide covers

This guide explains the rules that determine whether a tenant can switch energy supplier, based on Ofgem guidance for renters. It is educational information to help you understand your position before contacting a landlord or supplier.

Utility Matchmaker is an information and referral service. Comparison and switching on this site take place on TheEnergyShop's platform.

The key question: who is named on the account

Ofgem's guidance is direct on this point. If you are the person directly responsible for paying the energy bill, meaning the account is in your name, you have the right to choose and switch your own energy supplier. A landlord or letting agent should not prevent this.

If your landlord pays the energy supplier directly, whether that is billed separately or built into your rent, the landlord is the account holder and retains the right to choose the supplier. In that situation, you cannot switch the account yourself, though you can ask your landlord to consider switching.

Checking your own situation

Your tenancy agreement will usually state who is responsible for utility bills. If it does not, check a recent bill: if it is addressed to you and you pay the supplier directly, you are the account holder. If bills are addressed to your landlord, or energy costs are listed as included within your rent, your landlord holds the account.

Some tenancy agreements name a specific default supplier as a condition of the tenancy. Ofgem's guidance requires landlords and letting agents to make tenants aware of any such tie-in. If your agreement includes one, check its terms before assuming you are free to switch.

Shared houses and HMOs

In shared houses and houses in multiple occupation, energy costs are commonly included in the rent and billed to the landlord rather than individual tenants. Where this is the case, the same principle applies: the landlord holds the account and makes the supplier decision, since no individual tenant is the named bill payer.

If you are the account holder but want to keep things straightforward

Switching as a tenant works the same way as switching in any other property. It's worth letting your landlord know once you've switched, mainly so they have accurate records if the tenancy ends and the account needs to be closed or transferred.

Common questions

Do I need my landlord's permission to switch?

Not if you are the named account holder and pay the supplier directly. Ofgem guidance states a landlord should not prevent a switch in this situation, though many tenants choose to inform their landlord as a courtesy.

What if my tenancy agreement says I must use a specific supplier?

Some agreements include a default supplier tie-in. Your landlord or letting agent is required to make this clear to you. Check the exact wording of your agreement before assuming you are restricted.

Can I switch if my bills are included in my rent?

Generally no, because your landlord is the account holder in that arrangement and makes the supplier decision. You can ask them to consider switching, but they are not required to act on the request.

Does this apply the same way in an HMO?

Yes, the same principle applies. If the landlord holds the account and includes energy in the rent, individual tenants are not able to switch that account.

What happens to the account when I move out?

If you were the account holder, you should provide a final meter reading and close or transfer the account with your supplier. If your landlord held the account, this is handled by the landlord regardless of tenant turnover.