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The short answer
Yes, if you pay the energy supplier directly, Ofgem says you can switch even as a renter, though you should check your tenancy for a default supplier clause or a notice and return clause. Suppliers must complete a switch within 5 working days, or your new supplier must pay you £40 automatically, and you can cancel within 14 days. If your landlord pays the bills as part of your rent, the landlord deals with the supplier instead.
Many newcomers assume that because the flat belongs to someone else, so does the energy account. Often it does not. If the bills come in your name and you pay them, the choice of supplier and tariff is usually yours, and Ofgem's rules protect you when you switch.
First: who pays the bill?
| Arrangement | Who can switch | What Ofgem says |
|---|---|---|
| You pay the supplier directly | You | You can switch; check your tenancy agreement first |
| Landlord pays, cost included in rent | The landlord | The landlord deals with the supplier directly |
| Prepayment meter in your name | You, in most cases | You can switch if you owe your supplier up to £500 |
Ofgem also says you cannot switch if you have been in debt to your supplier for more than 28 days. If you are behind, deal with the debt first; see energy help schemes.
Two clauses to look for in your tenancy
- Default supplier clause
- A list of suppliers you can choose from. Ofgem says the list can be changed, and you may need to tell your landlord or letting agent before switching.
- Notice and return clause
- You must switch the supply back to the original supplier when the tenancy ends.
Neither clause takes away your right to switch, but both affect how you do it. If your agreement is silent, a polite email to the agent saying you plan to switch keeps things clear.
What the rules guarantee
- Suppliers must switch your electricity or gas within 5 working days.
- If they do not, your new supplier must pay you £40, automatically.
- You can cancel within 14 days if you change your mind.
- If you leave a fixed tariff early, you may have to pay an exit fee; check before you switch away from one.
Source: Ofgem, Switch your home energy supplier, as at October 2026.
Is switching worth it?
Compare like with like. A standard variable tariff is limited by the Ofgem price cap; for 1 October to 31 December 2026 that is 26.32p per kWh and 54.83p a day for electricity, and 7.97p per kWh and 29.68p a day for gas, as averages. A fixed deal can be cheaper or dearer than that, and the comparison changes when the cap moves. See this quarter's price cap.
Worked example (illustrative)
Example: Kemi's flat uses 2,400 kWh of electricity a year, with no gas. On the cap rates above, units cost 2,400 × 26.32p = £631.68, and the standing charge for 365 days is 365 × 54.83p = £200.13, a total of £831.81. A fixed deal at 25.00p per kWh with the same standing charge would cost 2,400 × 25.00p = £600.00 plus £200.13, so £800.13: £31.68 less over a year, if the cap stays where it is. If the cap falls, the fixed deal may end up dearer, and leaving early could mean an exit fee.
Steps to switch as a tenant
- Check your tenancy for a default supplier or notice and return clause.
- Find your current tariff, unit rate, standing charge and any exit fee on your bill or app.
- Compare deals using a price comparison website, as Ofgem suggests, and check customer service ratings.
- Tell your landlord or agent if your agreement asks you to.
- Apply with the new supplier; take meter readings with dated photos on switch day.
- Expect the switch within 5 working days, and pay the final bill from the old supplier.
Moving in and moving out
The best moment to sort energy is the day you get the keys. Take dated photos of each meter, find out from the agent which supplier serves the property, and contact that supplier to put the account in your name from your move-in date. Only then compare tariffs and decide whether to switch. Doing it in this order stops you paying for the previous tenant's usage and gives you a clean starting reading.
At the end of the tenancy, give the supplier your move-out date and final readings, and if your agreement has a notice and return clause, switch back to the original supplier in good time. A tidy final bill also helps when you ask for your deposit back, because unpaid bills can be one reason a landlord proposes deductions.
Where Pryme fits
Switching often means a final bill from one supplier and a new Direct Debit with another. A Pryme Personal Assistant can remind you about meter readings and both bills, and prepare each payment for your approval. Outside Nigeria, Pryme works through regulated partners.
Questions people ask
Can I switch energy supplier if I rent?
Yes, if you pay the supplier directly. Ofgem says to check your tenancy for a default supplier clause and whether you need to tell your landlord.
How long does it take to switch energy supplier?
Suppliers must complete the switch within 5 working days, or your new supplier must pay you £40 automatically.
Can I switch with a prepayment meter?
Ofgem says you can switch if you owe your supplier up to £500.
Do I need my landlord's permission to switch?
Not usually, but your agreement may list approved suppliers or require you to tell the landlord, and may require you to switch back at the end.
Sources
- Ofgem: Switch your home energy supplier · accessed Oct 2026
- Ofgem: Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges · accessed Oct 2026
- Ofgem: Installing a prepayment meter without your permission · accessed Oct 2026
- Ofgem: Get help if you can't afford your energy bills · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.