Tenant Energy Rights in the UK 2026: 8-Week Rule Explained

LAST REVIEWED 2026-09-06

Who is responsible for the energy bill in a rented home?

The energy bill responsibility in a rented home depends on who holds the account with the supplier. If the tenant has a tenancy agreement that includes bills, the tenant is typically the account holder. If the landlord pays the supplier directly, the landlord is the customer. The tenant's rights as a consumer apply only when the tenant is the account holder.

When a tenant moves into a property, the landlord or letting agent must provide the name and contact details of the current supplier. The tenant can then contact the supplier to set up an account in their own name. If the landlord pays the energy bills as part of the rent, the tenant is not the supplier's customer and has limited direct rights.

For tenants who hold the account, the supplier must treat them as any other domestic customer. This includes the right to a clear bill, access to the price cap, and the ability to switch supplier if the tenancy agreement allows. The tenant should check the tenancy agreement for any clauses about energy supply.

If the landlord is the account holder, the tenant may still have rights under the tenancy agreement, but these are contractual rather than energy-specific. The tenant can ask the landlord for information about the energy contract and bills, but the landlord is not obliged to share them unless the tenancy says so.

Can a tenant switch energy supplier in 2026?

A tenant can switch energy supplier in 2026 if they are the account holder and the tenancy agreement does not prohibit switching. If the landlord pays the supplier, the tenant cannot switch because they are not the customer. The tenant must also ensure there are no outstanding debts on the account.

Switching is a straightforward process: compare tariffs, contact the new supplier, and the switch usually completes within a few weeks. The tenant should inform the landlord if the tenancy agreement requires it, but the landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent. However, if the tenancy agreement states that the landlord chooses the supplier, the tenant must abide by that.

Before switching, the tenant should check if they are in a fixed-term contract with the current supplier. If so, early exit fees may apply. The tenant should also read the meter readings on the day of the switch to ensure accurate billing.

If the tenant is unsure about their rights, they can contact Citizens Advice or the Energy Ombudsman for guidance. The supplier must not block a switch if the tenant is eligible.

What is the maximum resale price for energy in rented accommodation?

The maximum resale price for energy is the highest amount a landlord can charge a tenant for energy that the landlord buys from a supplier. This is set by law and is designed to prevent landlords from making a profit on energy. The maximum resale price is the same as the price the landlord pays, plus a small allowance for administrative costs.

In practice, the landlord cannot charge more than the actual cost of the energy supplied. If the landlord includes energy in the rent, the rent must reflect the actual cost, not a markup. The rules are enforced by Ofgem, and tenants can complain to the Energy Ombudsman if they believe they are being overcharged.

For example, if the landlord pays a tariff that is subject to the price cap, the tenant cannot be charged more than that capped rate. The landlord must also provide an itemised bill if the tenant requests one, showing the energy consumption and the cost.

Tenants who suspect overcharging should first discuss it with the landlord, then escalate to the Energy Ombudsman if necessary. The 8-week rule applies to complaints about resale prices.

What are the efficiency standards for rented homes in 2026?

Rented homes in the UK must meet minimum energy efficiency standards. Since 2020, private landlords must ensure their properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E. From 2026, the government is consulting on raising the minimum to C for new tenancies, but this is not yet confirmed.

If a property fails to meet the minimum standard, the tenant can request improvements. The landlord must carry out the work, and if they refuse, the tenant can complain to the local authority. The local authority can issue a penalty notice.

Tenants also have the right to request energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation or a more efficient boiler, and the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. However, the tenant may need to fund the improvement if it is not covered by a grant.

From 2026, the typical consumption values for the price cap are reset to 2,500 kWh electricity and 9,500 kWh gas, which affects the cap level. Tenants should check their EPC rating and understand their rights to a warm home.

What should a tenant do if there is a fault with the heating or electricity?

If there is a fault with the heating or electricity, the tenant should first report it to the landlord or letting agent. The landlord is responsible for repairs to the heating system and electrical wiring. If the fault makes the home unfit for habitation, the tenant may have the right to withhold rent, but this is risky and should only be done after seeking advice.

The landlord must carry out repairs within a reasonable time. If they fail to do so, the tenant can contact the local authority's environmental health department. The local authority can serve an improvement notice.

For issues with the energy supply itself, such as a power cut, the tenant should contact the distribution network operator. For billing or switching issues, the tenant should contact their supplier first.

If the complaint is not resolved, the tenant can escalate to the Energy Ombudsman. The 8-week rule applies: the tenant must wait 8 weeks from the initial complaint or receive a deadlock letter before the Ombudsman can consider the case.

How does the 8-week rule work for energy complaints?

The 8-week rule is a deadline for taking an energy complaint to the Energy Ombudsman. If a tenant has a complaint about their supplier, they must first give the supplier a chance to resolve it. If the supplier does not resolve the complaint within 8 weeks, or sends a deadlock letter, the tenant can refer the case to the Energy Ombudsman.

After the supplier's final response, the tenant has 6 months to refer the complaint to the Ombudsman. If the tenant misses this window, the Ombudsman may not accept the case. The 8-week rule is a standard timeframe, but the Ombudsman can consider cases earlier if the supplier agrees.

For example, if a tenant complains about a billing error on 1 January, the supplier has until 26 February (8 weeks) to resolve it. If not resolved, the tenant can go to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will then investigate and make a binding decision.

Tenants should keep records of all communication with the supplier, including dates and reference numbers. This helps when escalating to the Ombudsman.

What is the Energy Ombudsman and how do tenants use it?

The Energy Ombudsman is an independent body that resolves disputes between energy customers and suppliers. Tenants who are account holders can use it if they have a complaint that the supplier has not resolved. The Ombudsman can order the supplier to apologise, fix the problem, or pay compensation.

To use the Energy Ombudsman, the tenant must first complain to the supplier and wait 8 weeks or receive a deadlock letter. Then the tenant can submit a complaint online or by phone. The Ombudsman will review the evidence and make a decision.

The Ombudsman's decision is binding on the supplier, but not on the tenant. If the tenant does not accept the decision, they can take the case to court. The service is free for the tenant.

For complaints about energy, the correct body is the Energy Ombudsman, not the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS handles financial products, not energy. Tenants should ensure they contact the right Ombudsman.

What are the current energy price cap levels for tenants in 2026?

The energy price cap limits the amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy for default tariffs. In 2026, the cap is reviewed quarterly. On 26 August 2026, the Q4 2026 cap was announced at £1,723 for typical consumption. This cap came into force on 1 October 2026.

From July 2026, the typical consumption values used to calculate the cap were reset to 2,500 kWh electricity and 9,500 kWh gas. This means the cap figure reflects a different level of usage than before. Tenants on default tariffs will see their bills based on these new values.

Additionally, from 1 October 2026, VAT on domestic electricity is cut to 0% until 31 March 2027. This reduces the overall cost for tenants. The cap is a maximum, so tenants may pay less if they are on a fixed tariff.

Tenants should check their bill to see if they are on a default tariff and whether the cap applies. The cap does not apply to prepayment meters in the same way, but there are separate protections.

What should tenants check in their tenancy agreement about energy?

Tenants should check their tenancy agreement for clauses about energy supply, bills, and switching. The agreement may state who is responsible for paying the energy bills, whether the tenant can switch supplier, and any restrictions on usage. It may also specify that the landlord must provide an EPC.

If the tenancy agreement says the landlord pays the supplier, the tenant is not the customer and cannot switch. If the tenant is responsible, the agreement should not prevent switching, but it may require the tenant to inform the landlord.

Tenants should also check the EPC rating, which should be included in the tenancy documents. The EPC shows the energy efficiency of the property and any recommended improvements.

If the tenancy agreement is silent on energy, the tenant should assume they are responsible for setting up an account. The tenant should also check for any clauses about recharging energy costs, as the maximum resale price applies.

How do tenants complain about energy suppliers or landlords?

Tenants can complain about energy suppliers if they are the account holder. The complaint process starts with the supplier. The supplier must respond within 8 weeks. If the tenant is not satisfied, they can escalate to the Energy Ombudsman.

For complaints about landlords, such as overcharging for energy or failing to repair heating, the tenant can contact the local authority or take legal action. The Energy Ombudsman does not handle landlord disputes unless the landlord is also the supplier, which is rare.

If the landlord is charging for energy at a rate higher than the maximum resale price, the tenant can complain to Ofgem. Ofgem can take enforcement action against the landlord.

Tenants should keep a record of all complaints and responses. The 8-week rule applies to supplier complaints, but not to landlord complaints. For landlord issues, the tenant should seek advice from Citizens Advice or a housing charity.

Glossary: the terms on an energy bill explained

Energy Ombudsman: An independent body that resolves disputes between energy customers and suppliers. It can make binding decisions on complaints.

Price cap: A limit set by Ofgem on the maximum amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy on default tariffs.

Deadlock letter: A letter from a supplier stating that they cannot resolve a complaint, allowing the customer to escalate to the Ombudsman.

EPC: Energy Performance Certificate: a document that rates the energy efficiency of a property from A to G.

Default tariff: A standard variable tariff that suppliers place customers on if they do not choose a fixed deal.

Resale price: The price a landlord charges a tenant for energy that the landlord buys from a supplier. It is capped by law.

Frequently asked questions

Can a tenant switch energy supplier without the landlord's permission?

If the tenant is the account holder and the tenancy agreement does not prohibit switching, the tenant can switch without the landlord's permission. However, the tenant should inform the landlord as a courtesy. If the landlord pays the supplier, the tenant cannot switch because they are not the customer. Always check the tenancy agreement for any restrictions.

What is the 8-week rule for energy complaints?

The 8-week rule means that after making a complaint to an energy supplier, the customer must wait 8 weeks for the supplier to resolve it before escalating to the Energy Ombudsman. If the supplier sends a deadlock letter earlier, the customer can escalate sooner. After the final response, the customer has 6 months to refer the case.

Can a landlord charge more for energy than the price cap?

No, a landlord cannot charge more than the maximum resale price, which is the actual cost of the energy plus a small allowance. If the landlord is on a default tariff, the price cap limits what they pay, and they cannot pass on more than that to the tenant. Overcharging can be reported to Ofgem.

What is the minimum EPC rating for a rented home in 2026?

As of 2026, the minimum EPC rating for a rented home is E. The government has proposed raising this to C for new tenancies from 2026, but this is not yet confirmed. Landlords must ensure their properties meet the current standard, and tenants can request improvements if the rating is below E.

How long does a tenant have to refer a complaint to the Energy Ombudsman?

After receiving a final response from the supplier, the tenant has 6 months to refer the complaint to the Energy Ombudsman. If the supplier does not respond within 8 weeks, the tenant can refer the case at that point. Missing the 6-month window may result in the Ombudsman not accepting the case.

Does the energy price cap apply to prepayment meters?

Yes, the energy price cap applies to prepayment meters, but the level may differ from credit meters. The cap is set by Ofgem and reviewed quarterly. From 1 October 2026, the cap for typical consumption is £1,723, but prepayment meter customers may have a separate cap.