Page last updated on 16th March 2026
Britain's bill boss
When you rent a flat or house with someone else, bills can get confusing! Generally, one person living in the rented property is nominated to look after the energy bills every month. We’ve named that person the ‘bill boss’! If you’re the bill boss and you’re worried about the rise in energy bills, this page could help ease your worries.
Smart meters could help you take control of your energy bills. If you and your flatmates are the energy bill payers, type your energy supplier in the box below to request a smart meter:
CAN YOU GET A SMART METER IF YOU RENT?
If you pay the bills for the gas or electricity in your rented home, you can choose to have a smart meter installed. But we do recommend you tell your landlord before you get one. There might be rules in your contract about how energy is supplied, including the type of meter that can be installed.
If your landlord pays the energy bills for your home, it’s their decision on whether or not to install a smart meter – But it is worth asking.
You can find out how best to approach your landlord to request a smart meter below:
There are also a few sources of support out there for you if you are really struggling with your energy bills. Read below for more information on this.
WHAT IS THE ‘BILL BOSS’?
We surveyed over a thousand renters aged 18-25 about their roommates and found that there are a few interesting roles people play when renting together:
- 33% of young renters co-rent with a ‘tidy one’
- 30% with a ‘messy one’
- 27% play ‘the mum or dad role’ in the house
But the most popular role of all is the ‘bills boss’! In fact, 39% of 18-25-year-old renters have a dedicated ‘bills boss’ in their household. This person knows all the ins and outs of the energy bills.
Times are tough for the bill boss at the moment. This is thanks to the rising cost of living, and the increasing price cap, meaning energy bills are much higher than they were a year ago. Based on our research, 27% of renters are worried that their housemates might use too much energy, leaving them unable to afford the bill at the end of the month. In fact, nearly half of young renters are arguing more with their flatmates since the cost-of-living crisis began.
HOW CAN SMART METERS HELP?
Contacting your landlord about getting a smart meter could help the bill boss take control of household budgets.
When you get a smart meter, you’ll be offered an in-home display. This shows you how much energy you are using in pounds and pence, in near-real time. This is perfect for proving to your flatmates exactly how much energy they are using by leaving the lights on! Which, according to our research, is one of the most common issues that young renters have with their housemates.
Smart meters also automatically submit meter readings, which means the ‘bill boss’ won’t need to crawl around in cupboards for meter readings. That is one less thing to remember!
What’s more, smart meters don’t rely on estimations, so you’ll know what to expect and you’ll only pay for what you use.
Click below for more advice is you're worried about energy bills:
REQUEST YOUR SMART METER
If you haven’t already got a smart meter, and you pay your energy bills yourself, you can request one from your energy supplier below.
Type your energy supplier in the box below to request your smart meter:
Want to find out more...
- Concerned about your energy bills? - there are things you can do to help your situation. From making small changes in your home to reaching out for support.
- Ultimate energy saving tips - need some flatshare tips? check out our energy saving tips to see how you can save energy in your shared home.
- Smart meters and renting – moving into a house share? Here's everything you need to know about requesting a smart meter for your rented home.