Student landlords urged to be transparent with tenants as energy bill prices soar this winter
October 1 signified yet another energy price cap increase, meaning the average household energy bill could rise from £1971 to £3549 a year.
It came after Ofgem increased the maximum energy companies can charge for gas and electricity. And as winter approaches, the move has sent shivers down the spines of students who are renting their homes.
During the October to December quarter the energy price cap is estimated to rise by 80% with further increases next year.
Student landlord Graham Bradford, 52, urges other landlords to “discuss the energy crisis” with their tenants and be “transparent” about what measures may need to be taken.
Providing figures, he said: “I own a five-bedroom student terraced house on Francis Avenue, in Portsmouth and calculated the (energy) price increase to be £1,370 from July till October. I discussed a £25 additional charge for rent with my tenants.”
Energy experts have warned that more than half of UK households will be in fuel poverty by January.
“I have never had to increase the rent price this drastically. I hope the £400 energy discount covers bill expenses so students can use their money on themselves rather than pay extra for bills,” said Graham.
To find out more about how you may be affected by the energy crisis visit Ofgem.
