Page last updated on 19th June 2025
Module 4: Smart meters for private renters
Download our smart meters and renting guide
9 in 10 private renters who currently have a smart meter have experienced benefits, and over 8 in 10 who currently have a smart meter say they would get one again if they moved house.1
Want to help private renters in your constituency experience the benefits of smart meters? Download the shareable guide for renters below:
Download our smart meter guide for landlords
Want to help landlords to get a smart meter in their rental property?
Getting a smart meter could help tenants better manage household finances and reduce disagreements about energy bills.
Download the guide for landlords below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tenant need the landlord’s permission for a smart meter?
If an energy bill is in the tenant’s name, it's the tenant’s choice to have a smart meter installed.
However, it is recommended that they let their landlord know before they make the change. To help, there are some handy templates below that your constituents can use to notify their landlord of their plans to get a smart meter.
If a tenant’s lease says that they need their landlord’s permission to change the meter, Ofgem, the energy regulator, says they shouldn’t unreasonably prevent this.
The landlord pays the energy bills; can the tenant get a smart meter in a rented property?
If a landlord pays the energy bills for the rental property, it’s their decision on whether or not to install a smart meter – but it is worth asking.
In our research in 2021, we found that 72% of landlords would agree to get a smart meter installed, and a quarter had installed one themselves in a rental property.2
What happens when a tenant moves out of their rented home?
After a tenant moves out, their IHD is left in the property, as it will be connected to that property’s smart meter – the tenant can always request that their supplier install a smart meter in their next property if there isn’t one installed already there.
1Opinium Research for Smart Energy GB, private renters study Oct 2024
2The Behavioural Architects research for Smart Energy GB, private landlords and letting agents study Feb 2021
Need further support?
We’re here to support where we can with any questions you or your constituents may have:
England: [email protected]
Scotland: [email protected]
Wales: [email protected]
To learn more about the rollout and other organisations involved, visit our website below: