Utilities and bills: the position in 2026
Utilities and bills refers to important services such as gas, electricity, water, broadband internet, telephone, and council tax that are required for a tenant's daily living needs in rented accommodation. Understanding who's responsible for paying these utilities is important because it directly affects a tenant's financial obligations and the landlord's responsibilities under tenancy agreements.
In 2026, tenants must carefully review their contracts to understand which bills they will be covering. Commonly, landlords don't include utility costs within rent payments, except in certain social housing arrangements. Tenants should ensure that all terms regarding payment of utilities are clearly outlined and agreed upon before signing any tenancy agreement.
What the law says
The laws governing tenant responsibilities for utilities in rented accommodation are primarily covered by several key statutes:
- Housing Act 1985 (s.11): This section covers repairs and maintenance obligations, which can include ensuring that gas and electrical appliances provided by the landlord are safe.
- Housing Act 2004 (sections 213-215): These sections deal with disrepair claims and safety issues related to utilities.
- Deregulation Act 2015 (s.33): This section addresses tenants' rights to make improvements, which may include installing energy-saving devices if the landlord doesn't provide adequate heating or lighting.
- Tenant Fees Act 2019: Although this act mainly focuses on prohibiting landlords from charging fees for services like utilities unless explicitly stated in the contract.
These statutes collectively ensure that both parties understand their obligations regarding utility bills and repairs. Landlords are expected to maintain important services, while tenants must pay for them as agreed upon in the tenancy agreement.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes this
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 significantly altered the situation of tenant-landlord relationships with provisions affecting utilities and bills:
- Abolition of Section 21 notices: No longer can landlords evict tenants without a specific reason, which may include non-payment of utility bills.
- Periodic tenancies from day one: All new tenancies start as periodic arrangements automatically, making it harder for landlords to enforce strict rules on utilities unless clearly stated in the initial agreement.
- Annual rent cap via Section 13: This caps annual rent increases at inflation or a set percentage, affecting how much tenants can spend on overall living costs including utilities.
- Decent Homes Standard extended to PRS: Ensures that private rented sector (PRS) properties meet minimum standards for heating and lighting, which impacts utility bills and services.
- Awaab's Law extended to private landlords: This ensures fire safety measures are in place, potentially impacting electrical and gas safety checks.
- New PRS Ombudsman: Provides a platform for resolving disputes over utilities and maintenance issues.
- PRS Database registration: Landlords must register their properties on a central database, which includes information about utility provision and payment obligations.
These changes aim to protect tenants from unfair practices regarding utility bills and ensure that landlords adhere to higher standards of service provision.
What this means for tenants
Tenants now have more rights and protections against unfair practices by landlords concerning utilities. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, you're expected to pay only as agreed upon in your tenancy agreement, which should be clear about utility costs. You may also negotiate lower rents or other benefits if you agree to manage certain utilities yourself.
If a landlord fails to provide necessary services like heating and electricity, you can report this under the Decent Homes Standard provisions of the Act. This could lead to enforcement actions against the landlord for non-compliance.
What this means for landlords
Landlords must now adhere more strictly to agreements about utility payments with their tenants. At Utilities and bills, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 prohibits excessive or unfair charges related to utilities unless explicitly detailed in the tenancy agreement from day one. Failure to provide important services can result in complaints under Awaab's Law, which mandates stringent fire safety standards including electrical and gas installations.
Landlords must also ensure their properties meet the Decent Homes Standard, meaning they should be fit for human habitation with adequate heating and lighting facilities.
Common scenarios
Scenario 1: Non-Payment of Bills
A tenant fails to pay utility bills as agreed. The landlord sends a formal notice demanding payment or faces eviction under Section 21 (now abolished). Tenants may negotiate partial payments but must avoid breaching terms set out in their tenancy agreements.
Scenario 2: Overdue Payments and Eviction
When a tenant is unable to pay rent along with utility bills, the landlord sends an eviction notice. Under new laws, this process becomes more stringent since Section 21 has been abolished, requiring specific reasons for eviction.
Scenario 3: Utility Malfunctions
A gas boiler breaks down in winter. The landlord doesn't repair it within a reasonable timeframe. Tenants can report this under Awaab's Law to ensure safety and heating provisions are met promptly.
Evidence tenants should keep
Tenants should maintain thorough records of all utility bills, payments made, and any correspondence with the landlord or utility companies regarding service issues. This includes:
- Payment receipts: Proof that you have paid your bills on time.
- Correspondence: Emails and letters discussing utility-related matters.
- Meter readings: Records showing consumption before moving in and upon leaving to avoid disputes.
- Photos and videos: Visual evidence of any malfunctions or unsafe conditions.
These documents can be important when seeking resolution through the PRS Ombudsman, Housing Ombudsman, or legal proceedings if necessary.
What to do if things go wrong
If you encounter issues with utilities and bills, follow these steps:
- Send a complaint letter: First inform your landlord in writing about any problems.
- Contact council environmental health: Report unsafe conditions like faulty boilers or electrical hazards.
- Deposit Scheme Dispute: If the issue affects your deposit return, contact the relevant deposit protection scheme.
- Housing Ombudsman: Submit a formal complaint if local authorities don't resolve issues satisfactorily.
- PRS Ombudsman: Use this service to address disputes specific to private rented sector conditions.
- First-tier Tribunal: Seek legal intervention through the tribunal for unresolved grievances.
- County Court: As a last resort, file a case in court if previous steps fail.
Each step should be taken carefully and with proper documentation.
Common mistakes to avoid
Both tenants and landlords often make these errors when dealing with utilities:
- Failing to clarify utility responsibilities: Not defining who pays for what upfront can lead to disputes.
- Ignoring safety standards: Neglecting regular checks on gas appliances and electrical systems.
- Overlooking repair obligations: Landlords may ignore necessary repairs due to the hassle, risking tenant complaints or legal actions.
Avoid these pitfalls by staying informed and proactive about your rights and responsibilities.
Where to get help
For assistance with utilities and bills issues, reach out to:
- Shelter: Offers free advice on housing rights through their helpline.
- Citizens Advice: Provides full guidance tailored to individual circumstances.
- Local council's housing team: Specialises in enforcing local regulations and standards.
- Housing solicitors: Can offer expert legal advice for complex cases.
Legal aid may be available for those who qualify, especially in situations involving serious breaches of tenancy agreements or health hazards related to utilities.