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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Levi Winchester

Half a million households risk missing out on £400 energy rebate this winter

Half a million renters are at risk of missing out on the £400 energy rebate if their landlord doesn’t pass on the discount.

This is according to housing charity Shelter, who warned some tenants with "all inclusive" rent that includes energy bills may struggle to hold their landlord to account.

The Government said it expects landlords to pass on the £400 reduction when the money is applied to energy bills from October.

The issue is, there is nothing written in law right now that would force them to do this.

The landlord is only supposed to charge you the same price they paid for the energy in the first place, according to Ofgem rules.

But experts say it might be hard for tenants to enforce this.

Have you received your cost of living payment yet? Let us know: mirror.money.saving.co.uk

An estimated 585,000 households - 13% of private renters - have energy bills included in their rent.

Earlier this week, the Government said further funding will be available for the 1% of households who will not be reached through the £400 energy rebate scheme.

It gave the example of park home residents, and those who do not have a domestic electricity meter or a direct relationship with an energy supplier - but stopped short of saying if it would include private tenants.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy told The Mirror that the extra help would cover those who have a commercial meter or commercial landlord - for example, some housing association tenants.

This is why campaign groups and charities like Shelter are concerned about private tenants with a landlord.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “It is unfair that those at the very sharp end of this crisis could miss out on this much-needed support.

“The Government is looking into this as they’ve acknowledged it’s not right.

“We urge them to make sure this support goes straight to the people who need it the most, not their landlords.”

If you rent but you pay your bills separately, so you only pay rent to your landlord, then the £400 discount will be applied to your account as expected.

This is because the rebate is being applied per electricity account, rather than per household.

If you suspect your landlord is overcharging you for your energy, the first step is to speak to them about it.

You should politely ask them to provide you with a breakdown of your bill, so you can see exactly what you're being charged for.

If this doesn't help resolve the situation, Citizens Advice says you could consider the small claims court - but as this can work out expensive, this should only be done as a last resort.

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