< 2026 Landlord Energy Comparison Guide | Save £3,000+ | UK Property Investors
PROPERTY INVESTOR GUIDE • JANUARY 2026

Landlord Energy Comparison 2026

Stop energy costs draining rental profits. Save £200-£3,000+ per property annually with our landlord-specific comparison strategies for HMOs, voids & portfolios.

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£3,000+
Portfolio Annual Saving
£1,000+
HMO Annual Saving
80%
Void Period Overcharge Risk
£200-£600
Single Property Saving

Why Landlords Overpay for Energy

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Expensive Default Tariffs

Properties left on deemed or default tariffs cost 20-40% more than competitively sourced rates, especially during void periods.

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Unreviewed Between Tenancies

Landlords forget to compare energy when tenants move out, leaving properties on expensive contracts for months or years.

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Responsibility Confusion

Unclear whether landlord or tenant pays leads to nobody comparing, with bills defaulting to expensive rates automatically.

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Rollover During Voids

Even short void periods trigger rollover contracts with significantly higher unit rates, eroding rental profits quickly.

Who Pays Energy Bills: Landlord or Tenant?

Tenant-Paid Energy (Most Common)

✅ Tenant chooses supplier

✅ Tenant pays bills directly

✅ Landlord responsible during voids

✅ Suitable for single-let properties

Landlord must still compare during voids

Landlord-Paid Energy

✅ HMOs & multi-occupancy

✅ Serviced accommodation

✅ Bills-included rentals

✅ Short-term lets

Active comparison essential for margins

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Total Annual Cost Matters for Landlords

Compare total cost including standing charges and unit rates. For rental properties, especially during void periods, fixed tariffs with flexible terms provide optimal balance of cost control and adaptability. HMO energy requires business comparison for accurate pricing.

Average Energy Costs for Rental Properties (2026)

Property Type Typical Annual Cost Landlord Considerations
1-Bed Flat
Single Let
£900 – £1,300 Void period management critical. Short fixed contracts recommended.
2-Bed House
Family Rental
£1,200 – £1,800 Higher usage during tenancy. Compare both domestic and business rates.
HMO (4–6 Tenants)
Multi-Occupancy
£2,500 – £5,000 Business energy required. Compare regularly due to high turnover.
Serviced Apartment
Short-Term Let
£1,800 – £3,500 24/7 operation. Fixed pricing essential for predictable costs.

⚠️ Energy Comparison During Void Periods Is Critical

When a property is empty: Energy supply continues • The account defaults to expensive deemed tariffs • Deemed rates are 20-40% higher than competitive rates • Even a 1-month void can cost £200+ if unmanaged • Landlords must compare and secure appropriate tariffs before voids begin.

Void Period Energy Cost Timeline

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Tenant Moves Out
Day 1: Account reverts
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Deemed Rates Apply
Day 2-7: 20-40% more
⏱️
1 Month Void
Cost: £200+ extra
With Comparison
Save £150+ monthly

Energy Comparison for HMOs (Critical Focus)

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Higher Usage Patterns

Multiple tenants = simultaneous cooking, heating, washing. Consumption 2-3x higher than single households requires specific tariff comparison.

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Frequent Tenant Turnover

Regular voids between tenants. Without active management, HMOs default to expensive deemed rates multiple times annually.

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Business Energy Required

HMOs legally require commercial energy contracts. These lack price cap protection, making comparison essential for cost control.

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Major Saving Potential

Regular comparison saves £1,000+ per HMO annually. Portfolio of 5 HMOs can save £5,000+ with proper energy management.

Domestic vs Business Energy for Landlords

Domestic Energy

✅ Most single-let properties

✅ Protected by price cap

✅ Easier switching process

✅ Usually cheapest option

✅ Standardized tariffs

Recommended for standard rentals

Business Energy

✅ HMOs & multi-occupancy

✅ No price cap protection

✅ Bespoke negotiated rates

✅ Complex comparison needed

✅ Higher risk of overpaying

Essential for HMOs & commercial lets

Common Energy Mistakes Landlords Make

Leaving Deemed Tariffs

Properties automatically revert to expensive deemed rates when tenants leave. Many landlords don't switch, costing £200+ per void.

Forgetting Void Switching

Not comparing energy after tenant move-out. Even 2-week voids on deemed rates add unnecessary costs to rental overheads.

Assuming Tenant Handles It

Assuming tenants always manage energy. During voids and with bills-included rentals, landlord comparison is essential.

Ignoring Business Comparison

Using domestic comparison for HMOs. Business energy requires different comparison with different supplier options.

How Much Can Landlords Save?

Single-let landlords save £200–£600 per property | HMOs save £800–£2,000+ | Portfolio landlords save £3,000+ annually

Protect Your Rental Profit Margins

Compare energy prices specifically for rental properties. Manage void periods effectively, optimize HMO costs, and maximize portfolio returns through strategic energy comparison.