Cheapest energy tariff for landlords switching now (UK guide)
Landlords don’t get one universal “cheapest” tariff. The cheapest energy tariff for landlords switching now is the lowest total annual cost available for your property’s postcode, meter type and payment method—usually found by comparing whole-of-market deals and checking fees, tenancy rules and who is responsible for the bill.
- Find the lowest estimated yearly cost for your rental (not just the cheapest unit rate)
- Check who holds the energy account: landlord vs tenant vs inclusive bills
- See live options for credit, prepayment and smart meters in your area
Estimates only. Availability and prices vary by region, meter type and payment method. Always confirm who is responsible for the energy bill in your tenancy agreement.
Fast answer: what’s the cheapest energy tariff for landlords switching now?
The cheapest energy tariff for landlords switching now is the deal with the lowest estimated total yearly cost for your rental property’s postcode, meter type and payment method, once you include standing charges and any exit fees. Because prices vary by region and meter, the only reliable way is to compare live tariffs for that exact property.
Key takeaways (landlords)
- Bill payer matters: if your tenant pays, you usually can’t pick their tariff; if you pay (bills included / vacant), you can.
- Don’t chase unit rate alone: standing charges can outweigh a “cheap” unit price on low usage or vacant periods.
- Meter type changes deals: smart, traditional credit and prepayment often have different available tariffs.
- Check terms before you switch: fixed deals can have exit fees; variable deals can change with the market.
Quick landlord checklist
- Who is responsible for the energy bills?
- Tenancy agreement / bills included / void periods.
- What meter is installed?
- Credit, smart, economy 7, prepayment.
- Any restrictions?
- Managing agent process, HMO arrangements, or supplier/MPAN admin on new tenancies.
Compare landlord-friendly options (whole of market)
Use the same approach a careful homeowner would—just with rental-specific checks. Comparing whole-of-market tariffs for your property helps you find the lowest estimated annual cost based on live prices for your postcode.
Best fit if you are…
- Paying the bills (bills-included letting, serviced accommodation, or during voids)
- Setting up supply for a new tenancy (and will transfer account to tenant later)
- Trying to reduce void costs by reviewing standing charges and daily fees
Not suitable if…
- Your tenant is the current account holder and pays the supplier directly (they choose the tariff)
- You only want a “named cheapest supplier” without using a postcode comparison (pricing varies too much)
Get a quote for your rental property
Tell us a few details and we’ll show available tariffs for that postcode. If you prefer, you can also use the full quote journey.
How switching works for landlords (step-by-step)
- Confirm who the account holder is. If the tenant pays, they usually control switching. If you pay (or it’s a void), you can choose.
- Gather property details. Postcode, fuel type(s), meter type (credit/smart/prepay/Economy 7) and whether you want a fixed or variable tariff.
- Compare based on total cost. Look at the estimated annual cost, standing charges, unit rates, and any exit fees or discounts tied to direct debit.
- Choose a start date that fits your tenancy/void. If you’re between tenants, aim to minimise days on an expensive default tariff while keeping the supply stable.
- Keep records. Take opening/closing meter reads at check-in/check-out, and keep supplier confirmations for deposit dispute protection.
Which tariff type is usually cheapest for landlords?
There isn’t one always-cheapest tariff type. The right pick depends on whether you want price certainty (common for bills-included lets) or flexibility (common for short void periods). Use this comparison to decide what to prioritise before you run a live postcode quote.
| Tariff type | What it means | When it can suit landlords | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed | Unit rates & standing charges are fixed for a set term. | Bills-included rentals, HMOs where you pay, or budgeting for predictable costs. | May include exit fees; check if it’s worth it if the property could change hands/tenancy ends early. |
| Variable | Prices can change (supplier sets them, within rules). | Short voids or when you don’t want to commit due to uncertainty. | Budget risk; rates can rise with little notice (check terms). |
| Economy 7 / multi-rate | Different day/night rates for electricity. | Properties with storage heaters or high overnight usage. | Can be costly if tenants use lots of electricity in daytime; explain usage patterns if bills are included. |
| Prepayment | Pay-as-you-go meter mode. | Some rentals already have them; switching options may be different. | May limit tariffs; changing meter mode requires eligibility and supplier process. |
Decision checklist (quick)
Choose “lowest total cost” if the tenant pays and you’re just setting up supply during a void.
Choose “stability” if you include bills and want to reduce budget surprises.
Check standing charges closely if usage could be low (empty property / seasonal let).
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers you can adapt)
These examples show how to think about landlord costs. We’re not using live tariffs here (prices vary by postcode and change frequently). Replace the placeholders with the live figures you see when you compare.
Scenario A: Void period (low usage, standing charge matters)
- Void length: 60 days
- Electricity used: 150 kWh (lights, boiler controls, basic safety heating)
- Tariff 1: higher standing charge, lower unit rate
- Tariff 2: lower standing charge, slightly higher unit rate
How to compare: estimate cost = (standing charge × 60) + (unit rate × 150). On low usage, a cheaper standing charge can win even if the unit rate looks worse.
Scenario B: Bills-included let (budgeting & tenant behaviour)
- Tenancy length: 12 months
- Electricity used: 3,000 kWh/year (typical-ish for a small home; varies widely)
- Gas used (if applicable): 10,000 kWh/year
- Goal: reduce surprises and avoid early-exit penalties if you might sell/refurb
How to compare: check the tariff’s estimated annual cost at your usage level and read terms for exit fees. If you include bills, consider whether a fixed deal’s predictability outweighs the risk of paying an exit fee if plans change.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (landlord-specific)
“Cheapest” can change once you factor in fees, billing responsibility and meter constraints. These are the issues that most often trip up landlords when switching.
Exit fees on fixed tariffs
Some fixed deals charge if you leave early. If you might sell, renovate, or hand the account to a tenant soon, compare the fee against the expected benefit.
Standing charges during voids
Even with very low usage, standing charges may apply daily. For empty properties, the standing charge can be a big share of cost.
Meter type limits options
Prepayment and multi-rate meters can reduce available tariffs. If you want more choice, check eligibility for meter changes—but don’t assume it’s immediate.
Tenant rights & supplier choice
If the tenant pays the supplier, they can usually switch. A tenancy clause that tries to ban switching may be unenforceable; get advice if unsure.
Changing account holder timing
Switches can take time. If a tenant is moving in soon, plan whether you should switch now or let the tenant choose after they take responsibility.
Direct debit vs pay on receipt
Some tariffs are priced differently depending on payment method. If you prefer pay on receipt for void control, compare like-for-like.
FAQs: cheapest energy tariffs for landlords
Can a landlord choose the tenant’s energy tariff?
Usually no. If the tenant is the account holder and pays the supplier, they normally have the right to choose and switch tariff/supplier. Landlords typically only choose when they are responsible for the bills (for example, during voids or bills-included arrangements).
What is the “cheapest” measure I should compare for a rental?
Compare the estimated total annual cost for the property and your usage assumption, not just the unit rate. For voids or low usage, standing charges can make a big difference. For bills-included lets, predictability and exit fees may matter as much as the headline cost.
Do landlords get special “landlord energy tariffs”?
For domestic properties, landlords generally choose from the same home energy tariffs as other customers. What makes it “landlord-friendly” is whether the tariff fits your situation (void periods, bills included, meter type) and whether the terms work with tenancy changes.
Can I switch energy supplier during a void period?
Often yes, if you are the responsible party for the supply during the void. Make sure the account details are correct, take an opening meter read, and consider how long you expect the void to last—switching to a fixed tariff with exit fees may not suit a short gap.
What if the rental has a prepayment meter?
Prepayment can affect which tariffs are available. You can still compare options, but the cheapest deal for a credit meter may not be available. Changing a meter or payment mode depends on supplier policy, debt status, and whether the meter location is accessible for installation.
Should I choose a fixed or variable tariff for a bills-included tenancy?
It depends on your risk tolerance and how likely plans are to change. Fixed tariffs can help budgeting but may include exit fees. Variable tariffs may be more flexible but can change in price. Always check the tariff terms and consider a fair usage approach in your tenancy agreement.
Will switching affect the tenant’s supply or require an engineer visit?
A standard supplier switch for an existing meter is usually administrative and shouldn’t interrupt supply. An engineer visit may be needed if you’re changing meter type (for example, to smart or changing payment mode), which depends on eligibility and appointment availability.
What documents should I keep when switching for a rental property?
Keep switch confirmations, tariff terms (including any exit fee wording), and dated meter readings for check-in/check-out. If you use a managing agent, keep written confirmation of who is responsible for the account during voids and the move-in/move-out dates used for billing.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page ownership
- Written by:
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated:
- July 2026
How we assess “cheapest” for landlords
We define “cheapest” as the lowest estimated total cost over a consistent period (typically 12 months), using a given property postcode and usage assumption. We prioritise landlord-relevant factors that change the real-world cost and suitability.
- Total cost first: estimated annual cost, not just unit price
- Fees & constraints: exit fees, payment method differences, meter type compatibility
- Tenancy realities: void periods, account-holder changes, and bills-included risk
- UK-specific variables: regional network pricing and tariff availability by postcode
Limitations (what this guide can’t do)
We don’t publish live unit rates, standing charges, or named “cheapest” tariffs on this page because domestic energy prices change frequently and vary by region, meter type and payment method. Use the quote journey to see current deals for your rental property’s postcode, and always read the supplier’s tariff terms before switching.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (regulator guidance, switching rules, price cap context)
- Citizens Advice energy advice (tenant/landlord rights and practical switching help)
- GOV.UK (housing and consumer information, where relevant)
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