Private renters at risk of ‘falling through the cracks’

Tenants in privately rented properties risk “falling through the cracks” when it comes to the recently announced energy bill support, Citizens Advice has warned.

The charity has conducted research which found more than one in eight private renters, equivalent to 585,000 people, may miss out on schemes such as the Warm Homes Discount, as well as the upcoming £400 grant from the government this October.

It explained that customers can only receive these funds if they pay their supplier directly and that currently there is no legal requirement for landlords to pass on the energy grant to their tenants, as well as no guidance on how it should be managed fairly by landlords.

It further highlighted a number of ways in which private tenants are at risk, such as the fact they can miss out on savings because their energy contract is in their landlord’s name, meaning they are unable to change it.

In some cases, landlords pay for energy and then resell it to their tenants. Whilst landlords are only legally allowed to do this if they charge their tenants the same price they paid, tenants can struggle to enforce their rights if they suspect they are being overcharged.

Another area of risk is sub-meters – where landlords organise energy for the building, often through a business energy supply contract. This is not covered by the price cap which means tenants can see rapid bill increases and miss out on support.

“People with prepay ‘sub-meters’ are especially at risk, as they could be left without energy if they cannot afford to top up”, the charity added.

Citizens Advice is calling on the government to bring forward clear guidance for landlords on how they manage the upcoming energy bill grant if they control their tenants’ energy contract.

It additionally urged the government to ensure tenants can take control of their energy bills if they want to so they can receive support directly.

Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “With the price of energy at a record high, it’s vital that government support reaches the people it’s intended for.

“We’re worried that many tenants are falling through the cracks, putting them at risk of missing out on money to help them with soaring bills.”

Responding to the calls, a government spokesperson said: “We want energy bill support payments to go to those who ultimately pay the bills, including tenants in private rental accommodation.

“We are working closely with consumer groups and suppliers to ensure this happens so that from October people receive the £400 deduction they’re entitled to.”