New tenant energy supplier explained

Moving into a new rented property means taking control of your energy supply from day one. New tenants have clear rights and responsibilities regarding gas and electricity, and understanding these can simplify your move. This guide outlines the practical steps to set up or switch your energy supplier, ensuring a smooth transition and helping you avoid common pitfalls.

Managing energy in your new rented property should be straightforward. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing and digital control, helping you manage your bills from day one. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding your energy supply as a new tenant

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it comes with a list of tasks, and sorting out your energy supply is high on that list. As a new tenant in the UK, you will typically inherit the existing energy supplier for your property upon moving in. This initial arrangement is usually a 'deemed contract', which can often be more expensive than other available tariffs. Taking proactive steps to manage your energy from the start can save you money and prevent future headaches.

Initial steps when moving in

On the day you get your keys, your first priority should be to take accurate meter readings for both gas and electricity, if applicable. Note down the date and time, and ideally, take a photo of the meter readings as proof. This ensures you are only billed for your own energy consumption and not the previous tenant's. Next, identify who the current energy suppliers are for your new home.

Why understanding your energy supplier matters

Knowing your energy supplier is crucial for several reasons. It allows you to set up an account in your name, avoid estimated bills, and address any queries about your usage or meter readings. More importantly, it empowers you to compare tariffs and potentially switch to a cheaper deal, ensuring you are not overpaying on a standard deemed contract. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, so even small savings per unit can add up significantly over time. Understanding your energy usage can also help you find ways to make energy bill savings over time.

Your rights as a new tenant

As a tenant in the UK, you generally have the right to choose your own energy supplier. This fundamental principle is protected by Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain.

The right to choose your energy supplier

If you are directly responsible for paying your energy bills, you have the legal right to choose your own gas and electricity supplier, regardless of whether you are on a fixed-term or rolling tenancy. This right is enshrined in consumer law and regulated by Ofgem. Even if your tenancy agreement mentions a 'preferred supplier', you are not obliged to use them if you pay the bills directly.

Ofgem's role in protecting tenants

Ofgem actively protects consumer rights and encourages switching to foster a competitive energy market. Their regulations ensure that landlords cannot unreasonably prevent a tenant from switching suppliers, provided the tenant is responsible for the energy contract. They also provide guidance to help tenants understand their rights and the potential benefits of switching.

When your landlord can restrict your choice

There are specific circumstances where your landlord might legitimately restrict your choice of supplier. If energy costs are included as part of your rent or accommodation charges, your landlord is the account holder, and only they can initiate a switch. In such cases, you should still be able to ask your landlord about the energy tariff and discuss options. Always check your tenancy agreement for any clauses related to energy supply.

Taking over the existing energy supply

When you move into a new rented property, you will automatically be supplied by the previous tenant's energy provider. Your first step is to identify who they are and then set up an account in your name.

How to find your current energy supplier

If you do not have a recent energy bill or your landlord has not provided the details, you can find out who supplies your energy. For electricity, use the What's My Supplier? tool. For gas, use the Find My Supplier tool.

Providing accurate meter readings

Taking accurate meter readings on moving-in day is critical. This ensures you are only billed for the energy you use from the moment you take occupancy. Contact the existing supplier as soon as possible to provide these initial readings and register yourself as the new occupant. This prevents disputes over bills later on.

Setting up a 'deemed contract'

Once you have contacted the existing supplier and provided your meter readings, you will typically be placed on a 'deemed contract'. This is a default tariff that ensures a continuous energy supply to your home from day one, even without a formal agreement. While convenient, deemed contracts are often more expensive than other tariffs, making it a good idea to compare deals and switch once you are settled.

Switching your energy supplier

Once you have set up your account with the existing supplier, you are free to explore better deals and switch to a new provider. This is where you can make a 'power play' by taking control of your energy costs.

The process of changing energy supplier

Switching energy supplier is generally a straightforward process. First, compare tariffs from various suppliers to find a deal that suits your needs. Online comparison sites can help with this. Once you have chosen a new supplier, they will handle most of the switching process for you. You will need to provide your new supplier with your meter readings and some personal details. The switch typically takes up to 5 working days, with a separate 14-day cooling-off period running in parallel.

When is the best time to switch?

The best time to switch is usually as soon as you have registered with the existing supplier and are on a deemed contract, as these tariffs are often uncompetitive. Since deemed contracts do not have exit fees, you can switch at any time without penalty.

What to expect during the switch

During the switch, your energy supply will not be interrupted. Your new supplier will communicate with your old supplier to transfer your account. You will receive a final bill from your old supplier within eight weeks of the switch date. On the day of the switch, you will need to provide final meter readings to both your old and new suppliers to ensure accurate billing.

Navigating common energy challenges for renters

While setting up energy in a new rental is usually smooth, some situations can present challenges. Knowing how to navigate these can save you stress and money.

Dealing with prepayment meters

If your new property has a prepayment meter, you will need to top it up to get energy. You can still switch suppliers if you have a prepayment meter, though some suppliers may require a smart meter upgrade first. If you have outstanding debt on a prepayment meter (less than £500 per fuel), you can still switch, as your new supplier may be able to take on this debt under the Debt Assignment Protocol.

The radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) phase-out

Some older properties may have a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter, which uses a radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak rates. The RTS signal began a managed phase-out on 30 June 2025, as the system reached the end of its operational life. If you have an RTS meter, your current supplier is responsible for replacing it with a smart meter, usually at no cost to you. These new smart meters, such as an Aclara smart meter, offer more accurate readings and can unlock access to different tariffs. You cannot switch to Fuse Energy with an RTS meter; you will need to have it replaced first.

Resolving billing disputes

If you encounter any billing disputes, first contact your energy supplier directly. Keep records of all communications and meter readings. If you are not satisfied with their resolution, you can escalate your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman. Citizens Advice also offers free, impartial advice on energy supply issues.

Frequently asked questions about new tenant energy

Can I switch electricity supplier immediately?

Yes, if you are directly responsible for paying the energy bills, you can switch electricity supplier as soon as you have registered with the existing supplier and are on a deemed contract. There are no exit fees on deemed contracts, so you are free to switch at any time.

What if I do not know who my energy supplier is?

If you do not know who supplies your energy, check any paperwork left by the previous tenant or ask your landlord or letting agent. If that does not work, you can find your electricity supplier using the What's My Supplier? tool, and your gas supplier using the Find My Supplier tool.

Do I need my landlord's permission to switch?

No, if you pay your energy bills directly, you do not need your landlord's permission to switch suppliers. Ofgem regulations protect your right to choose. However, it is good practice to inform your landlord, and always check your tenancy agreement for any specific clauses, though these cannot override your right to switch if you are the bill payer.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. If you do not have a smart meter, Fuse Energy can upgrade your non-smart meter, completely for free. This can make it easier to track spending and make informed decisions about your energy use. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.