Cheapest fixed energy tariff for landlords UK: how to find it
Landlord tariffs aren’t a separate market — the “cheapest fixed” depends on the property’s postcode, meter type, payment method and current deal availability. This guide explains how to compare fixed deals for rental properties safely, what to check in the contract, and how to avoid common switching pitfalls.
- Whole-of-market comparison for homes and rental properties (no business energy)
- Check exit fees, tariff end dates, and who is named on the bill
- Clear landlord scenarios: void periods, bills included, and tenant-managed accounts
Estimates only. Availability and prices vary by postcode, meter type and payment method. If your tenant pays the bill, you may not be able to switch.
Fast answer: cheapest fixed energy tariff for landlords UK
The cheapest fixed energy tariff for landlords UK is the lowest-cost fixed deal available for the rental property’s exact postcode and meter setup at the time you compare. There isn’t a special “landlord tariff” category, and you can’t choose accurately without seeing live offers for the address. Use a whole‑of‑market quote and check eligibility, exit fees and who holds the account.
Key takeaway 1
If your tenant is named on the bill and pays the supplier, you usually can’t switch — they’re the customer. Focus on advising, not changing it yourself.
Key takeaway 2
If bills are included or the property is in a void period, you (or your managing agent) may be the account holder — fixed tariffs can help with budgeting, but check exit fees if you expect a tenant move.
Key takeaway 3
The “cheapest” deal depends on payment method, meter type (smart, prepayment, Economy 7), and region. Compare using the property postcode for accurate options.
Important: A fixed tariff isn’t automatically cheaper than a variable tariff or the Standard Variable Tariff (SVT). “Fixed” means price certainty for the unit rate/standing charge during the fixed period (subject to terms), not guaranteed savings.
How to find a cheap fixed tariff for a rental property
Start by confirming who the supplier considers the customer. The cheapest fixed deal is only relevant if you (or your agent) can legally agree the contract and manage the account.
- Confirm account responsibility: Is the tenant named on the bill, or are you (bills included / void / HMO landlord supply)?
- Collect the essentials: postcode, current supplier (if known), meter type (credit / prepayment / Economy 7), and whether there’s a smart meter.
- Estimate usage (or use readings): If you have past bills, use annual kWh. If not, use a cautious estimate and refine later.
- Compare like-for-like: same payment method, same meter type, same fuel (electric-only vs dual fuel), and consider fixed length.
- Check tariff terms before choosing: exit fees, how long the fix lasts, what happens at the end (often reverts to SVT), and any eligibility requirements.
- Plan for changeovers: If tenants move often, prioritise flexibility and clear handover steps to avoid being billed after they leave.
Tenant rights: If the tenant pays the energy bills, they generally have the right to choose the supplier. A tenancy agreement can’t usually force them to use a specific supplier (though it can require them to pay bills and not run up debt). If you’re unsure, read Citizens Advice guidance.
Citizens Advice: tenancy agreements (energy bills and responsibilities)
Two realistic landlord scenarios (with numbers)
Scenario A: void period for a 1–2 bed flat
Assumptions: property empty for 6 weeks; electric standing charge continues; minimal usage for lights/heating checks (120 kWh electricity), no gas use.
Why fixed may (or may not) help: if you’re only paying for a short void, a long fixed tariff with exit fees could cost more if you end it early. A flexible option or short fix can be safer for frequent turnovers.
Scenario B: bills-included HMO (landlord account)
Assumptions: 4 tenants, higher usage; annual consumption estimate 4,800 kWh electricity and 14,000 kWh gas; you want predictable costs for 12 months.
Why fixed may help: a 12‑month fix can reduce budgeting risk, but you still need to watch standing charges, end-of-fix rollover to SVT, and whether the meter type/payment method matches your comparison inputs.
Numbers note: The kWh figures above are usage examples, not a prediction. Your costs depend on live unit rates, standing charges, region, meter type and the supplier’s terms. Use a quote for your property to see exact prices.
Get a fixed tariff quote for your rental property
See whole-of-market options available for the property’s postcode. You’ll be able to compare fixed lengths and key features (including exit fees where shown) before you decide.
Quick eligibility check (60 seconds)
- Are you named on the bill?
- If yes, you can usually compare and switch. If no, the tenant normally needs to do it.
- Any active debt on the meter/account?
- Debt can affect switching, especially on prepayment meters. Get advice before changing anything.
- Do you expect a tenancy change during the fix?
- If yes, pay close attention to exit fees and the supplier’s change-of-occupier process.
Fixed vs variable vs SVT: what matters for landlords
If you’re responsible for the bill (bills included or void periods), you’re balancing cost, certainty and flexibility. This table helps you choose the right tariff type before you compare prices.
| Tariff type | Best for | Main trade-offs | Landlord watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed | Budgeting and cost certainty over a set term (often 12+ months) | May have exit fees; not always cheapest overall | Tenancy change mid-fix; end-of-fix rollover to SVT; make sure the named bill payer matches the contract |
| Variable | Flexibility (often no exit fees) and the option to switch quickly | Price can rise or fall with the supplier’s changes | Harder to budget for bills-included lets; keep an eye on notifications of price changes |
| SVT (default) | Short-term fallback (e.g. when a tenant moves out or a fix ends) | Often not the best value available; changes when the supplier updates prices | Void periods can be costly if you stay on SVT; avoid accidental long stays after a tenancy ends |
Decision checklist: when a fixed tariff suits landlords (and when it doesn’t)
A fixed tariff is more likely to suit you if…
- You’re the account holder (bills included / HMO landlord supply / void management).
- You want predictable costs for 12+ months.
- You don’t expect frequent changeovers.
- You’ve checked exit fees and the end date works for your tenancy cycle.
A fixed tariff may be a poor fit if…
- The tenant pays the bill and is named on the account.
- You’re expecting a tenant move before the fix ends (exit fees may apply).
- You’re unsure of meter type/usage and could choose the wrong setup.
- The property has special metering (e.g. Economy 7) and you haven’t compared correctly.
Standing charges matter: For short voids or low usage, the standing charge can be a big part of your cost. A tariff that looks cheap per kWh may still be poor value overall for low consumption.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls for landlords
Most “expensive surprises” come from contract terms and change-of-occupier handovers — not the headline price. These are the checks that protect you as a landlord.
1) Exit fees and tenancy changeovers
Many fixed deals include exit fees if you leave early. If your tenant moves out and you close the account (or need to change responsibility), check whether fees apply and what counts as a change of occupier.
2) Meter type mismatches (smart, prepay, Economy 7)
Quotes depend on meter type. A deal available for a credit meter might not be available for a prepayment meter, and Economy 7 pricing needs day/night rates to be compared properly.
3) Payment method and eligibility
Some deals are only available with specific payment methods (e.g. monthly direct debit). If your letting model needs a different approach, filter comparisons accordingly to avoid choosing an ineligible tariff.
4) Being billed after a tenant leaves
The fastest way to reduce disputes is to record meter readings at check‑out and check‑in and notify the supplier promptly. If you don’t, the “deemed” supply can keep running in your name (or the wrong person’s).
Prepayment caveat: If a property has a prepayment meter, switching can be more complex, especially with existing debt. Consider getting independent advice before making changes that could affect a tenant’s access to energy.
FAQs: fixed energy tariffs for landlords (UK)
Is there a special “landlord energy tariff” in the UK?
No. For domestic supply, landlords generally use the same tariffs as any household. The best option depends on the property’s postcode, meter type and payment method, and whether you’re the account holder.
Can a landlord switch energy supplier if the tenant pays the bills?
Usually no. If the tenant is named on the account and pays the supplier, they are the customer and can choose the supplier. You can share recommendations, but the tenant typically needs to run the switch.
What happens to the energy account when a tenant moves out?
If nobody opens a new account, the property can move onto a “deemed” contract with the existing supplier until someone takes responsibility. Take meter readings on move‑out day and notify the supplier promptly to reduce billing disputes.
Are fixed tariffs always cheaper than the Ofgem price cap?
No. The price cap limits the maximum level of an SVT (and some default tariffs), not fixed deals. A fixed tariff can be above or below the capped SVT level depending on the market and the deal’s terms.
Do fixed tariffs usually have exit fees?
Many do, but not all. Exit fees vary by deal and can apply if you leave before the end date. If you expect tenant changeovers, always check exit fees and the supplier’s change-of-occupier process before choosing.
Does the cheapest fixed deal depend on the property’s region?
Yes. Electricity and gas prices vary by region and network costs, so you must compare using the rental property’s postcode. The “cheapest” deal for one area may not be the cheapest elsewhere.
How do I compare fixed tariffs for a property with Economy 7?
Make sure your quote uses the correct meter type and that you understand your day/night usage split. Economy 7 deals can look cheaper or more expensive depending on when electricity is used, so comparing as a standard single-rate meter can be misleading.
Is it worth fixing energy for a short void period?
Often, the priority during a short void is avoiding long-term commitments and managing standing charges, not locking in a long fix. If you might switch again soon or hand the account to a new tenant, check for exit fees and how easily the tariff can be ended or transferred.
How we assess “cheapest fixed” for landlords (methodology)
Our approach
- Cheapest means lowest estimated total cost for the selected property and inputs (usage, meter type, payment method) among available fixed tariffs at the time of comparison.
- We prioritise clarity on eligibility, exit fees, tariff end dates, and landlord-specific handover risks (voids and change of occupier).
- We do not publish supplier-specific claims or live rates on this page because prices change frequently and vary by address and meter type.
Limitations and assumptions
- Quotes are estimates based on the information provided; actual bills depend on real consumption and tariff terms.
- Not all tariffs are available for all meter types (e.g. prepayment, Economy 7) or payment methods.
- Switching rights depend on who is named on the account and the tenancy arrangement.
Editorial trust
- Written by:
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated:
- July 2026
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (energy regulation, price cap information, consumer protections)
- Citizens Advice: energy (switching advice, billing and disputes)
- GOV.UK (general housing and consumer guidance)
Accuracy note: This page explains how to find the cheapest fixed tariff for landlords using a live comparison. For exact prices and availability, use the quote journey with the property’s postcode and meter type.
Ready to check the cheapest fixed deals for your rental postcode?
Compare whole-of-market fixed tariffs available right now for the property’s meter setup. You’ll be able to review key terms (like exit fees and tariff length) before making a decision.
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