Smart Meter Rights for Renters in Wales

If you rent a home in Wales, you might be considering installing a smart meter, or perhaps your landlord or energy provider has suggested one. Knowing your rights and responsibilities around smart meters is essential, especially when it comes to permissions, billing impact, and protecting your tenancy.

What Is a Smart Meter and Why Might Tenants Want One?

Smart meters automatically send your gas and electricity usage to your energy supplier. They can help you track your energy use in real time and may offer access to special tariffs, making budgeting and reducing bills easier.

Who Decides If a Smart Meter Can Be Installed?

Typically, the person named as the energy account holder decides whether to have a smart meter. For many rented properties in Wales, this will be the tenant. However, it’s important to check your tenancy agreement for any clauses about changing utility meters.

Key Points for Tenants:

• Tenants usually have the right to choose their energy supplier and request a smart meter if they're responsible for the bills.
• Some tenancy agreements may require landlord consent before altering the property, including meter changes.

If you’re uncertain, speak with your landlord before arranging an installation. If the landlord is the account holder, they control if a smart meter is fitted.

Landlord Permissions and Your Rights

Under consumer law, tenants who pay the energy bill directly have the right to choose their energy supplier and to request a smart meter. However, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 does allow landlords to include “reasonable” conditions in a tenancy agreement about changes to the property.

• If your agreement prohibits meter changes, you should seek the landlord’s consent in writing.
• Landlords should not unreasonably refuse a request for a smart meter installation.
• If you’re refused permission, ask the landlord to explain why in writing.

How Smart Meter Installation Works for Private and Social Renters

For both private and social tenants, the process for requesting a smart meter is the same: contact your energy supplier. The supplier will usually check if you are named on the account. If your name is on the bill, you can arrange the installation (pending agreement terms).

Action Steps to Request or Challenge Smart Meter Installation

• Check your tenancy agreement for meter or alteration clauses first.
• If needed, notify your landlord in writing about your plan to install a smart meter.
• If your landlord objects, ask them to provide reasons in writing.
• If you believe your landlord is unreasonably withholding or withdrawing consent, you may escalate your complaint through formal channels (see below).

What If You Have a Dispute?

If you and your landlord disagree, you may contact Rent Smart Wales for advice, or use the Residential Property Tribunal Wales to resolve the issue.

• If your energy supplier installs a smart meter without permission, and you are not the account holder, raise the matter with the supplier immediately.

Relevant Official Forms

While there isn’t a dedicated form for requesting a smart meter, the following official resources can support your communication:

• General Complaint to Landlord Form: While not numbered, templates and further guidance are available from GOV.UK’s complaints page. Use this to formally notify your landlord in writing if you believe your rights are being infringed.
• Application for the Rent Assessment Committee / Tribunal: If a dispute escalates beyond informal resolution, you may apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales – see their official forms and guidance for tenants.

An example scenario: If your landlord repeatedly refuses a reasonable request for a smart meter, complete the tribunal's application form and submit supporting evidence, including any written correspondence.

Your Rights on Bills, Switching Suppliers, and Council Tax

Smart meters do not affect council tax or your status as a tenant. You have the right to switch suppliers if you pay the bills directly, in accordance with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Housing Act 1988 for secure and assured tenancies.¹ If your landlord pays the bills and recharges you, they choose the supplier.

Summary of Tenancy Legislation in Wales

• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – sets out rights and responsibilities for renters and landlords in Wales
• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 – covers utility supply and tenant rights
• Housing Act 1988 – main legislation for assured tenancies

1. Can my landlord stop me from getting a smart meter?
   Generally, if you pay the energy bills, you have the right to request a smart meter. However, check your tenancy agreement for clauses requiring landlord consent for changes. Landlords should not unreasonably refuse permission.
2. What do I do if I want a smart meter and my landlord says no?
   Ask for their reasons in writing, and consider using the official complaints procedure or the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if you believe their refusal is unfair.
3. Does having a smart meter change my council tax or tenancy status?
   No, installing a smart meter does not affect council tax liability or your status as a tenant.
4. Who can I contact if my energy supplier refuses to fit a smart meter?
   Contact your supplier's complaints department first. If unresolved, refer to the Energy Ombudsman for further assistance.
5. Is there a risk of eviction for installing a smart meter without consent?
   Tenancy agreements may allow eviction for unauthorised alterations, so always seek written consent if required, and keep records of all communications.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government – Renting Homes Guidance
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – for formal dispute resolution
• GOV.UK – Renters' complaint procedures
• Rent Smart Wales – general renter support and licensing information
• Energy Ombudsman – for unresolved supplier disputes

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1. See Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 for the core legal framework governing tenancies and landlord-tenant relationships in Wales.
2. Rights to utility changes are established within the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and relevant consumer protection legislation.
3. The main tribunal for residential tenancy matters in Wales is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

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