The unpredictable UK energy market
Since 2020, the UK energy market has seen major disruptions caused by:
- COVID-19, which impacted supply chains and reduced energy production
- The war in Ukraine, which tightened gas supplies across Europe and drove prices up
- Rebounding demand, as economies reopened faster than energy supply could keep up
The result? Unprecedented price hikes.
In 2022, household energy bills rose by 54% in April, followed by another 27% in October. The average annual energy bill hit £4,279 at its peak before falling under the Energy Price Guarantee. Still, as of April–June 2025, the typical household energy cap is £1,690 (Ofgem, 2025)—well above pre-2020 levels.
Why letting agents are key in managing energy costs
Letting agents are uniquely positioned to support both sides of the rental equation:
- For landlords, agents can ensure properties are compliant, efficient, and cost-effective to operate
- For tenants, agents can help provide transparency, energy security, and guidance on keeping costs down
By acting as a trusted advisor and facilitator, letting agents can build stronger, longer-lasting relationships while enhancing their value in an increasingly competitive market.
How letting agents can support tenants
Promote energy awareness
Encourage tenants to track their usage through smart meters or supplier apps. Agents can provide tips on reducing consumption and explain how simple behaviour changes—like turning off lights or adjusting thermostat settings—can make a difference.
Facilitate communication with landlords
Letting agents should create clear channels for tenants to report energy inefficiencies such as drafts, inefficient heating, or old appliances. Highlighting these issues early can lead to faster upgrades and better outcomes for everyone.
Recommend bills-included options
Where possible, letting agents can guide tenants toward properties that offer bills-inclusive rent—especially those on unlimited or fixed energy plans. This offers tenants cost certainty and reduces the risk of energy stress, particularly in colder months.
How letting agents can support landlords
Guide energy efficiency upgrades
All rental properties in England and Wales must meet at least an EPC rating of C by 2030. Letting agents can help landlords prepare now by:
- Arranging energy assessments
- Recommending insulation, double glazing, and boiler upgrades
- Connecting landlords with trusted contractors
These improvements not only aid compliance but also reduce operating costs and boost property appeal.
Recommend stable energy plans
Letting agents can research and suggest unlimited or fixed-use energy packages to landlords—especially those who include bills in rent. These plans protect against price surges and help create stable rent arrangements.
Agent advantage: Fewer disputes over energy costs and smoother rent collection.
Provide tenant education
Many tenants aren’t familiar with how to use heating systems, smart thermostats, or appliances efficiently. Letting agents can offer move-in guides, quick tutorials, or even in-person walkthroughs to ensure tenants use energy wisely—reducing waste and keeping bills manageable.
Adding value through energy expertise
In a world of unpredictable energy costs, letting agents who take the lead on energy efficiency and awareness provide tangible value to both landlords and tenants. Whether it’s helping landlords meet EPC targets or guiding tenants toward smarter energy use, agents can future-proof their business by becoming champions of energy-smart rentals.
At Homebox, we help letting agents simplify the way energy is managed—offering access to competitive tariffs, bills-included setups, and tools that make life easier for tenants, landlords, and agents alike.
Book a call with Homebox to:
- Automate utility management notifications
- Bill dispute resolution
- Discover how to offer seamless bills-included packages
- Access fixed and unlimited energy deals to protect landlord income
- Reduce admin time
- Increase efficiency and revenue
Let’s talk about how we can support your agency and add value to every tenancy. Book your free consultation today.
Homebox: Utility bills management for agents and tenants
Allow your tenants to turn any home into a bills included home and never spend time dealing with void utility bills again.
