Who Pays Utility Bills When Renting a Property in the UK?

2026-01-13

Understanding who pays utility bills during a tenancy is a common question for tenants renting a property in the UK. While the general rule is simple, confusion can arise at the start or end of a tenancy — especially when bills cover overlapping periods.

This guide explains which utility bills tenants are responsible for, how grey periods are handled, and what to do if you receive a bill you are unsure about.

What Are Utility Bills for Tenants in the UK?

When renting a property in the UK, utility bills typically include:

Gas and electricity – used for heating, hot water, and daily living
Water charges – billed by the local water company or sometimes via building management
Council Tax – charged by the local council based on the property band
Internet and TV services – personal contracts that tenants must arrange and cancel themselves

In some modern apartment developments, heating or hot water may be supplied centrally, with charges managed by the building or freeholder rather than individual utility providers.

Who Pays Utility Bills During a Tenancy?

The general principle is straightforward: The person living in the property pays the utility bills.

In practice, this means:

During the tenancy, Utility bills are usually the tenant’s responsibility
When the property is vacant, Utility bills are the landlord’s responsibility

This applies regardless of whether the property is furnished or unfurnished.

What Happens During “Grey Periods”?

Grey periods are the most common source of confusion. These can include situations where:

The landlord previously lived in the property
The property was empty after completion
The tenancy has started, but a bill arrives covering earlier dates

In these cases, responsibility depends not on when the bill arrives, but on the dates the bill covers.

How Utility Bills Are Split Fairly

There are two key factors that determine who pays what:

1. Check the Billing Period

All UK utility bills show the exact dates they cover. Suppliers are required to provide a clear breakdown, making it possible to identify:

Charges before the tenancy start date
Charges during the tenancy

Only the portion that falls within your tenancy period should be paid by the tenant.

2. Letting Agent or Property Management Notification

A professional letting agent or property manager will notify utility suppliers when a tenancy starts and ends. This is usually done by providing:

The tenancy agreement
The landlord’s authorisation

This ensures that accounts are updated correctly and that charges are allocated accurately between landlord and tenant.

What Should Tenants Do If a Bill Looks Incorrect?

If you receive a utility bill that seems unclear:

Check the billing dates carefully
Compare them with your tenancy start date
Contact your managing agent or property manager for clarification

Most issues can be resolved quickly once the billing period is reviewed.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

Tenants are generally responsible for utility bills during their tenancy
Landlords pay utilities when the property is unoccupied
Bills are divided based on usage dates, not invoice dates
Professional agents help ensure a smooth and fair transition

Are You Looking to Rent an Apartment in London?

If you are looking to rent an apartment in London and would like professional guidance, clear communication, and a seamless renting experience, Crown Home Buying & Letting (CHBL) is here to help. We specialise in high-quality London rental properties and provide full support to tenants — from the initial enquiry through to move-in and ongoing property management.