Energy advice for private tenants

Do you rent?

We are working with the Local Energy Advice Programme (LEAP) to help tenants with energy efficiency and tariff switching advice. Where needed simple energy saving measures may be fitted. To apply call 0800 060 7567 or apply for LEAP online

Safety first

By law, your landlord must have gas appliances checked once a year by a person who is qualified and competent and should service them every year.

• Cooperate with your landlord and let a registered engineer in when a gas safety check or service has to be done.
• Your landlord must give you a copy of the current gas safety record before you move in or after the check has been carried out.

By law, your landlord must have also have all electrical installations in the property inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at least every five years.

• Cooperate with your landlord and let a registered engineer in when a gas safety check or service has to be done
• Your landlord must give you a copy of the current electrical safety record before you move in OR after the check has been carried out OR on request

Most Salford landlords know the law and keep their properties in good condition. If you are concerned safety checks have not been done or have any worries about the state of the property you should raise this with your landlord.

If you have no heating or hot water contact your landlord and ask for urgent action. If the landlord does not respond urgently to heating/hot water repairs or within a reasonable time regarding safety checks or other repairs you can contact Salford City Council to report the situation.

Top tips to save energy for tenants

Here are some simple tips to help keep fuel bills under control.

Shop around for the cheapest energy tariff

Salford Foundation can provide energy efficiency information, advocacy and support to help low-income adults and young people and vulnerable service users living in Salford to reduce their utility bills and improve energy efficiency in their homes.

They may be able to assist you on switching providers to maximise household incomes and may also be able to exchange pre-pay gas and electric meters for credit meters, potentially saving hundreds of pounds per year. Visit the website or call 0161 787 8500 or email juliewilliams@salfordfoundation.org.uk

Minimise energy use

Make sure you are doing everything you can to minimise how much energy you use. Switch appliances off at the wall, use a low temperature on your washing machine and keep an eye on your thermostat. Turning the thermostat down by just 1oC can result in a substantial saving. The council has a variety of tips for being more energy efficient.

Check your tenancy agreement

Most tenancy agreements state that you must leave the property in the condition you found it. There are ways to save energy which won’t break that agreement.

Ask about home improvements

Have a discussion with your landlord about energy saving measures which could improve the value of the property. By law tenants can ask their landlords to carry out reasonable energy efficiency improvements – such as making sure the property has the right level of loft insulation.