A Citizens Advice report reveals that over two in five private renters in England and Wales had to ration energy use last winter, highlighting widespread issues of poor insulation and inadequate protections for tenants against rising energy bills.
Many private renters in England and Wales are facing severe difficulties in managing soaring energy costs, according to a report released by Citizens Advice. The charity reveals that over two in five renters had to ration their gas and electricity usage during the previous winter to manage their energy bills. This rationing often came at the expense of basic comfort, with a significant portion—about one-third—unable to adequately heat their homes. As a result, tenants resorted to measures such as skipping hot meals, wearing gloves indoors, and restricting heating to just one room.
The situation reflects a wider problem linked to the poor energy efficiency of many rental properties, which allows significant heat loss and drives up costs. Citizens Advice emphasises that these energy inefficiencies place an unjust financial burden on renters, who typically lack the authority or resources to demand improvements from their landlords. This issue is compounded by tenants' fear of raising concerns, as many worry it might jeopardise their tenancy status. According to the charity, this leads to many enduring hardship in silence, forced into distressing choices between eating adequately and keeping warm.
Poor insulation and inefficient heating systems in rental properties have long been recognised as barriers to affordable heating and occupant wellbeing. Although regulatory measures such as Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are intended to address property energy standards, the findings suggest these have yet to fully translate into meaningful improvements for tenants struggling in cold homes. The reluctance of renters to engage landlords on these matters, combined with limited enforcement mechanisms, poses a significant challenge in tackling fuel poverty among the rented sector.
Citizens Advice’s report underscores the pressing need for strengthened protections for renters, improved property energy efficiency, and more accessible support mechanisms, to prevent households from choosing between essential heating and basic sustenance. The widespread nature of this issue reveals a glaring gap in current housing and energy policies, calling for urgent government action to ensure safe, warm, and affordable homes for all.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release from Citizens Advice dated 15 September 2025, indicating high freshness. ([citizensadvice.org.uk](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/two-in-five-renters-forced-to-ration-gas-and-electricity-to-afford-energy/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Emily Wise and Dame Clare Moriarty are unique to this press release, with no earlier matches found online, suggesting originality. ([citizensadvice.org.uk](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/two-in-five-renters-forced-to-ration-gas-and-electricity-to-afford-energy/?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Citizens Advice, a reputable organisation known for its impartial and authoritative reports on consumer issues. ([citizensadvice.org.uk](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/two-in-five-renters-forced-to-ration-gas-and-electricity-to-afford-energy/?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims align with previous reports from Citizens Advice regarding energy inefficiency in rental properties. ([citizensadvice.org.uk](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/two-in-five-renters-forced-to-ration-gas-and-electricity-to-afford-energy/?utm_source=openai)) The language and tone are consistent with official communications from the organisation.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and originates from a reliable source. The claims are plausible and consistent with previous reports from Citizens Advice. No significant credibility risks were identified.
