Smart meters are being rolled out to every home in the UK. For renters, they offer real-time visibility on energy consumption, easier switching, and access to cheaper time-of-use tariffs. This guide explains your rights around smart meter installation as a renter and how to get the most from the technology.
For the full overview of renter energy rights, see Renters’ Energy Rights.
What is a smart meter?
A smart meter automatically sends meter readings to your energy supplier — you no longer need to submit manual readings or receive estimated bills. It also includes an in-home display (IHD) that shows:
- Current energy usage in kWh and £
- Daily, weekly, and monthly consumption
- Credit balance (on prepayment mode)
Smart meters communicate wirelessly via a dedicated network (the Data Communications Company network) — not your home Wi-Fi.
Your right to a smart meter as a renter
If you are the named account holder with the energy supplier, you have the right to request a smart meter — your landlord cannot veto this. Smart meters:
- Are classified as metering equipment belonging to the network, not the property
- Are installed free of charge by your supplier
- Do not require any structural alterations to the property
- Can be installed and removed without damage
To request a smart meter: contact your energy supplier directly — by phone, online account, or app. Most suppliers now offer bookable installation slots.
What if the property already has a smart meter?
When you move into a property with a smart meter, take the following steps:
- Note the meter serial number (printed on the meter) and take opening readings
- Contact the existing supplier — tell them the previous tenant has left and you are taking over the account
- Or switch supplier — the smart meter will usually stay smart; contact the new supplier, who can remotely enroll the meter on the new network (for SMETS2 meters)
- Check connectivity — ask the supplier to confirm the meter is communicating correctly
If the existing meter is a SMETS1 that has gone ‘dumb’ (lost connectivity), the supplier will try to reconnect it remotely. This takes time — you may need to submit manual readings temporarily.
Can you refuse a smart meter?
Yes. Smart meter installation is not compulsory. You can decline if you prefer to keep your existing meter. However:
- Some tariffs (particularly the cheapest fixed deals from 2024 onwards) now require a smart meter
- Time-of-use tariffs (Agile, Economy 7) require smart metering to work correctly
- Suppliers may deprioritise manual-reading customers for certain offers over time
If you opt out, you retain the right to request a smart meter later.
Time-of-use tariffs: a benefit of smart meters
Smart meters unlock time-of-use tariffs where the unit rate varies by time of day:
| Tariff type | Peak rate | Off-peak rate | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | Day rate (~30p/kWh) | Night rate (~15p/kWh, 7 hours) | Night storage heaters, hot water timers |
| Agile Octopus | Variable — may go negative | As low as 0–5p/kWh at low demand | EV charging, heat pumps |
| Off-peak tariffs | Standard rate | Lower rate for 4–8 hours | Flexible electricity users |
For renters with heat pumps or electric heating, moving to a time-of-use tariff and shifting consumption to off-peak hours can significantly reduce bills.
Privacy and data
Smart meters transmit consumption data to your supplier. You can choose:
- Half-hourly data — sent every 30 minutes (enables time-of-use tariffs; default for SMETS2)
- Daily data — sent once per day
- Monthly data — sent monthly (same as an estimated bill, but accurate)
You can request to change your data sharing preference with your supplier at any time.
What happens to the smart meter when you leave?
The smart meter stays in the property — it is not yours to take. When you leave:
- Take a final meter reading (the IHD or smart meter display shows this)
- Give the final reading to your supplier and request a closing bill
- The smart meter will automatically serve the next tenant
Common problems with smart meters in rented homes
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Meter shows ’no connection’ | Contact supplier — they can attempt remote reconnection |
| IHD display blank or no signal | Reset the IHD (hold and release the button); if persistent, contact supplier |
| Meter reading not being sent | Submit manual reading via app or website; report to supplier |
| New supplier won’t keep smart features | Switch to a supplier that supports SMETS2 interoperability |