"If you're responsible for the energy bills, you're entitled to request a smart meter, which can lead to more accurate billing and access to smarter tariffs. Renters should always ask their landlords for permission first before getting a smart meter installed"
- Ben Gallizzi - Uswitch
Smart meters are becoming increasingly common in UK homes, with 38 million households now equipped and nearly 8,000 installations taking place daily in 2024. Google searches for “will smart meters be compulsory by 2025” have risen by 1,340% over the past year.
The government aims for 80% of British homes to have a smart meter by the end of 2025. While installing one is not mandatory, there are clear benefits for both landlords and tenants. Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, outlines renters’ rights and the advantages of smart meters in rental properties.
Benefits of smart meters
Smart meters help users monitor their energy usage and provide accurate bills. They also allow access to time-of-use tariffs, where electricity costs less at certain times of the day. Depending on the tariff, a smart meter sends readings to your supplier daily or every half hour. Some energy providers reward customers with reduced unit rates or bill credit for using electricity during off-peak hours, typically between 11pm and 8am. There are also schemes that offer free or discounted electricity when green energy is more abundant on the grid.
Over three-quarters (84%) of private renters said having a smart meter would help them stay on top of energy usage.
Who can request a smart meter?
The energy bill payer can request a smart meter installation. Tenants responsible for energy bills can ask for one, but it is best practice to get the landlord’s permission first. Some tenancy agreements may include clauses preventing installation. Ofgem advises landlords should not unreasonably refuse such requests.
When utilities are included in rent, landlords decide whether a smart meter is installed because they are the account holder. Exceptions occur if the provider determines a meter needs replacement due to faults or accuracy issues. Traditional meters are increasingly unavailable, so a smart meter may automatically be installed. Smart meters can be switched to ‘dumb mode’ through a supplier request, though this removes the benefits of having one.
Why have a smart meter?
Nine in 10 renters report experiencing benefits from smart meters.
For renters:
Track energy usage and account balances
Access schemes and tariffs that reward efficient energy use
For landlords:
Receive accurate billing at the end of tenancies
Monitor vacant properties to ensure account balances remain accurate and energy consumption is tracked
What if a smart meter can’t be installed?
Technical or logistical issues may prevent installation, particularly in flats or properties where meters are located outside the home. Providers may use “comms hubs” or additional devices attached externally. Renters should discuss options with their energy supplier. Poor signal may limit a smart meter’s effectiveness because it relies on the DCC (Data Communications Company) network to share data with suppliers.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, commented, “Understanding your rights around smart meters for your rental home is the first step to improving energy efficiency and managing your usage more effectively,” he said. “However, there is still some misunderstanding about whether tenants in rental properties can install a smart meter.
“If you're responsible for the energy bills, you're entitled to request a smart meter, which can lead to more accurate billing and access to smarter tariffs. Renters should always ask their landlords for permission first before getting a smart meter installed.”
