Renters face higher energy price hikes

Renters are likely to pay significantly higher energy bills than those who own their property.

MoneyExpert.com finds that, while those in rented accommodation spend as much as 13 per cent of their weekly disposable income on energy, this falls to just five per cent among homeowners.

Furthermore, with experts predicting that household energy bills could increase by as much as 40 per cent this winter, renters could struggle to pay the bills.

One of the main reasons tenants are suffering is lethargy, argues the price comparison site.

Tenants are leaving the decision to change energy suppliers to landlords, and are now being urged to switch to cut costs.

Renters are also more likely to use prepayment meters – meaning their energy bills are higher and are less likely to switch to cheaper energy providers.

Research from EnergyHelpLine shows tenants can save £365 a year by switching gas and electricity supplier.

"Tenants typically pay out more for their energy and power than homeowners. Whether as a total per household or the average per capita, the simple fact is, more of your money goes on fuel," explained Sean Gardner, director of MoneyExpert.

"Theoretically suppliers do not differentiate between renters and homeowners so it must come down to the fact that tenants just don't think about changing supplier because that responsibility lies with their landlord.

"But if you're paying more than you should you have every right to ask your landlord to look at switching - it needn't take long and if you can save money it's well worth it."

Monthly bills for a rented home are up by over ten per cent across the country so renters are feeling the pinch, according to the site.

"Paying more for your energy than you need to is not the way to relieve the pressure," concluded Mr Gardner.

Chris O'Toole