With the Energy Cap going up 2% from October 1st and the cold weather drawing in, now is a great time for tenants to cut costs without making major changes to their homes. Unlike homeowners, tenants often face restrictions on what improvements they can make, but there are still plenty of renter friendly options out there.

1. Blocking Out Draughts

Old windows and doors are a big source of heat loss. You don’t need your landlord’s permission to:

• Use removable draught excluders under doors - they do a great job of keeping heat in the room.

• Apply self-adhesive foam strips around windows (just make sure you can peel them off if asked before you move!)

• Hang thicker curtains or even a thermal liner to keep warm air in.

• Keep internal doors closed!

These small fixes can make a noticeable difference to room temperature.

2. Ask About a Smart Meter

Many energy suppliers install smart meters for free. Even in a rented property, you should have the right to request one (though it’s worth checking your tenancy agreement first and also letting your landlord know).

• Smart meters show real-time energy use, helping you spot what’s driving up bills.

• Some suppliers also offer smart in-home displays so you can track costs daily.

3. Portable Solutions That Work Anywhere

Because you won’t be able to change the heating system, portable products can help:

• Heated throws and electric blankets use far less power than central heating and can do a great job of keeping you warm.

• Portable plug-in timers can control heaters and appliances, making sure they’re not left on all day.

• Dehumidifiers can make damp spaces feel warmer and reduce the need for constant heating.

4. Switch to LED Bulbs

If your landlord hasn’t already, swapping out old bulbs for LEDs is one of the quickest wins. They use up to 80% less energy and last much longer.

5. Check You’re on the Best Tariff

Renters sometimes stay on default tariffs because they assume they can’t switch. In most cases, the person who pays the energy bill can change suppliers. It’s worth checking comparison sites for cheaper deals - CreditLadder can also help.

Summary:

Even if you can’t insulate the walls or replace the boiler, simple, low cost changes can help keep energy bills under control all of which are renter friendly and are worth looking into to help keep your home warmer and those energy bills lower.

CreditLadder can help you improve your credit score

CreditLadder can improve your credit position by reporting your rent payments. CreditLadder is the first way to improve your credit score and position across all three of the main Credit Reference Agencies in the UK, namely Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Building up a high credit score has a lot of benefits, including helping you access finance at better rates - this can also help save you money. CreditLadder also runs a free mortgage application service in partnership with Tembo which will tell you how much you could borrow.

Remember the content provided in this article is for information purposes only and should not be considered as advice.