Renters have confessed that they failed to consider the cost of bills before moving into their new homes, leaving a staggering 76% taken aback by the unexpected fees.
A survey of 2,000 tenants revealed that 54% hurried through the process to move in as quickly as possible, prioritising location over heating and energy costs.
Now 46% feel they have no control over their bills, forcing 34% to cut back on other expenses to afford them and leaving 17% feeling powerless at home. Furthermore, 24% have even contemplated relocating due to escalating costs.
Before receiving their keys, 51% of tenants received little or no information from their landlord about the likely cost of essential bills. Even more concerning, 21% are contractually barred from changing their energy supplier, with nearly half unaware of this when they signed their lease.
This has resulted in 36% taking matters into their own hands by undertaking tasks to make their property more energy efficient – despite potentially violating their tenancy agreements.
Paul White, commercial director at DIY store B&Q, which commissioned the research, commented: “The research shows tenants are taking matters into their own hands, trying to improve energy efficiency in their homes – even when rental agreements typically limit what they’re allowed to change.
“Of those looking to make small but effective changes, there are a few low-cost solutions that are unlikely to breach rental agreements. Adding radiator reflectors to direct heat back into the room and using heavy curtains can help keep in warmth.”
“These minor adjustments can make a real difference and provide renters some control over their energy costs, even if their property isn’t perfectly insulated.”
Of those who have made energy improvements around their rented home, 42% have bled the radiators, and 39% have installed draught seals around doors and windows. A quarter (25%) have insulated pipes and 23% went as far as insulating the loft.
Half of renters surveyed prioritsed making these changes to stop energy bills spiralling out of control, and 44% wanted to address issues with heating and cooling certain areas of the home. But for 35%, their DIY was driven by an eagerness to reduce their environmental impact.
The research, discovered that there’s more renters can do to protect themselves before moving into new homes. Such as, checking the age of applicances – which 69% aren’t doing already. While 63% are even unlikely to check the EPC rating of the next potential property.
Paul White, from B&Q, added: “Renters and homeowners alike can feel that they are unable to take control of their household bills.
“We have plenty of energy efficiency solutions, from thermostatic controls to draught excluders, which can help make it easier for customers to control and reduce their energy use, and to keep their bills from becoming overwhelming.
“As a first port of call, I’d recommend visiting our Energy Savings hub at diy.com for free tips and advice. Here, people can also take advantage of our free Energy Saving Service, offering personalised advice on the steps they can take to improve the energy efficiency of their home.”
