Pay the bills: the position in 2026
Pay the bills is a term that encompasses all financial responsibilities tenants have while renting property from a private landlord or housing association. In the UK as of 2026, this includes utility costs like gas, electricity, and water; council tax; and any other applicable charges such as internet or satellite TV services. Understanding these responsibilities is important for both tenants and landlords to avoid disputes over who should cover what. Tenants must ensure they have a clear agreement with their landlord outlining which bills are their responsibility and how payments will be handled.
The importance of managing utility expenses properly can't be overstated, especially in light of rising energy prices and the introduction of new tenant protection laws like the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Ensuring that all charges are paid on time not only maintains a good relationship with your landlord but also ensures you don't face disconnection or other penalties. Conversely, landlords have to provide habitable conditions and utilities according to the latest legal standards.
What the law says
The legal framework governing the payment of bills by tenants is primarily set out in several key pieces of legislation: the Housing Act 1988 (Sections 8, 13, and 21), the Housing Act 2004 (Sections 213-215), and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11). The Deregulation Act 2015 (Section 33) also plays a significant role by establishing standard tenancy agreements that define each party's responsibilities, including payment for utilities. Additionally, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 prohibits landlords from charging tenants fees for managing bills on their behalf, ensuring transparency and fairness in tenancy arrangements.
Under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, a landlord can seek possession of a property if the tenant fails to pay rent or other necessary expenses such as utilities. This section provides a legal basis for landlords to enforce payment when tenants are delinquent. Meanwhile, Sections 213-215 of the Housing Act 2004 require private sector landlords to provide their properties in a state fit for human habitation, which includes ensuring adequate heating and water supply.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11) outlines minimum standards for repairs and maintenance that must be met by landlords. This statute indirectly affects utility bill payments because it ensures that any required work to maintain the property's habitability is the landlord's responsibility, unless otherwise specified in a tenancy agreement.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes this
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 significantly altered the situation for private and social renters. At Pay the bills, key provisions affecting bill payments include the abolition of Section 21 notices from the Housing Act 1988, making it harder for landlords to evict tenants without a valid reason. This change provides greater security to tenants who are up-to-date with their bills.
The act also introduced periodic tenancies that start on day one rather than after six months, giving tenants more immediate protection against unfair rent increases or sudden eviction notices. Rent control measures via Section 13 of the Housing Act 2004 have been strengthened to limit annual rental hikes based on inflation rates, ensuring affordability for renters.
the Decent Homes Standard has been extended to include all private rented sector (PRS) properties, not just social housing. This means landlords must maintain their property to a high standard. Including providing adequate heating and hot water systems that are important for utility bill management. Awaab's Law, which originally applied to social tenants only, now covers private renters as well, mandating that all dwellings meet certain health and safety criteria.
The creation of a new PRS Ombudsman provides an additional layer of dispute resolution for both landlords and tenants regarding issues like unpaid bills or disputes over repairs. Additionally, the introduction of the PRS Database requires all landlords to register their properties, enhancing transparency about rental conditions and bill responsibilities.
What this means for tenants
In 2026, tenants are expected to adhere strictly to the terms set out in their tenancy agreement regarding utility payments. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, if your landlord is responsible for some utilities or bills, it must be clearly stated in writing. Tenants should review these agreements carefully and ensure they understand which expenses fall under their responsibility.
Tenants may also benefit from the newly established PRS Ombudsman when disputes arise over unpaid bills or maintenance issues that affect utility services. At Pay the bills, if your landlord fails to address heating problems that impact your ability to pay for gas. You can seek mediation through this body. the annual rent cap provided by Section 13 of the Housing Act 2004 helps prevent excessive rental increases. Making it easier to budget for utility bills.
If tenants face difficulties in paying their bills due to unforeseen circumstances like job loss or illness, they should communicate promptly with both their landlord and relevant suppliers. Many utilities offer hardship programmes that provide temporary relief options such as deferred payment plans. Tenants may also qualify for government assistance schemes designed to help low-income households cover important costs.
What this means for landlords
Landlords have a legal obligation under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 to ensure their properties meet minimum habitability standards, including providing adequate heating and hot water systems. This requirement is part of the extended Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law, both of which mandate that all private rental units are fit for human habitation.
Landlords must also comply with new registration requirements by adding their properties to the PRS Database from the statutory conversion date onwards. Failure to do so could result in penalties or loss of legal standing should disputes arise over unpaid bills or property condition issues.
landlords need to provide clear documentation regarding which utilities and services are covered under their own responsibility versus those that fall to tenants. This clarity reduces confusion and helps prevent conflicts related to bill payments. For instance, if a tenancy agreement stipulates that the landlord will pay for gas but not electricity, it should be explicitly stated.
Landlords who charge fees for managing utility bills on behalf of tenants must adhere to restrictions imposed by the Tenant Fees Act 2019. This act prohibits landlords from passing these costs onto renters unless there's a specific contractual agreement allowing such charges.
Common scenarios
Scenario 1: A tenant moves into a new flat and discovers that gas supplies aren't being billed under their name. They should contact the landlord immediately to resolve Pay the bills's issue, ensuring it's clearly documented in writing who will cover future gas bills going forward.
Scenario 2: During winter, severe heating issues arise due to outdated boiler systems that cause high energy bills and discomfort for tenants. Tenants may file a complaint with their local council's environmental health department under Awaab's Law if the landlord fails to address these heating problems promptly. They might also use this situation as grounds to negotiate lower rent payments until the issue is resolved.
Scenario 3: A tenant receives an eviction notice after missing several utility bill payments due to financial hardship caused by unexpected medical expenses. The tenant should seek assistance from a housing solicitor or legal aid services to contest the eviction based on mitigating circumstances and explore options such as deferred payment plans with utility companies.
Evidence tenants should keep
Tenants must maintain thorough records of all bills, correspondence, dates, and any related communications regarding utilities and other expenses. Important documents include:
- Utility Bills: Keep copies of all gas, electricity, water, and internet bills to demonstrate regular payments.
- Tenancy Agreement: Ensure you have a signed copy outlining which party is responsible for specific utility costs.
- Payment Receipts: Save any receipts or payment confirmation emails showing when and how utilities were paid.
- Email Correspondence: Keep all email exchanges with the landlord discussing bill payments, maintenance issues, and repairs that affect habitability.
- Photographs: Take pictures of malfunctioning appliances or heating systems to document their condition and use as evidence if necessary.
These documents serve multiple purposes: they can be used in disputes over responsibility for bills, provide proof of on-time payment for rent increases, and are important when negotiating lower rents due to unforeseen financial hardships caused by utility costs. Maintaining a well-organized record system helps tenants stay proactive about managing their rental experience while protecting them from potential landlord claims or legal actions.
What to do if things go wrong
If disputes over bill payments arise between tenants and landlords, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue amicably:
- At Pay the bills, Send a Complaint Letter: Address your concerns formally in writing to your landlord outlining specific issues related to unpaid bills or maintenance problems affecting utility services.
- Contact Council Environmental Health Department: If your landlord refuses to address heating issues during winter, report them to environmental health for inspection under Awaab's Law.
- Deposit Scheme Dispute Resolution: In cases where a deposit is withheld due to unpaid bills, use the deposit scheme's dispute resolution process to seek mediation or arbitration.
- Housing Ombudsman Service: For disputes over habitability standards not being met by landlords, file a complaint with the Housing Ombudsman for independent investigation.
- PRS Ombudsman: use this new body established under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 to resolve conflicts regarding bill payments or maintenance issues affecting utility services.
- First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber): As a last resort, submit your case to the First-Tier Tribunal if all other methods fail to reach a satisfactory resolution.
- County Court: If necessary, pursue legal action through the county court for eviction proceedings based on unpaid bills or other serious disputes.
Each of these steps provides progressively more formal and binding ways to address bill payment issues and can help protect tenants from unfair treatment by landlords or utility companies.
Common mistakes to avoid
Both tenants and landlords frequently make errors that lead to conflicts over bill payments. Tenants often overlook documenting their expenses carefully, leading to disputes about who should cover which bills. Landlords commonly fail to register their properties in the PRS Database as mandated. Potentially jeopardising their ability to enforce tenancy agreements.
Another common mistake is misunderstanding the rights and obligations defined by recent legislation like the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Tenants may wrongly assume they have more flexibility than permitted under new regulations or that landlords will cover all utility costs without clear written agreement. Similarly, landlords might overcharge tenants for managing bills contrary to restrictions set out in the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Avoiding these pitfalls requires staying informed about current legal requirements and maintaining open communication channels with your landlord regarding payment terms and any issues arising from them.
Where to get help
For full support on bill payments and other rental disputes, consult organisations such as Shelter (shelter.org.uk) or Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk). Your local council's housing team can also provide guidance tailored to specific municipal policies and regulations. Legal aid may be available for those who qualify, especially if you face eviction threats over unpaid bills.
These resources offer practical advice, mediation services, legal representation, and financial assistance to help tenants deal with their rights and obligations effectively within the UK rental market.