Renters worried about household bills Published: 02/10/2008

The majority of renters are concerned about the cost of their household bills, according to new research.

A study by the Department for Communities and Local Government revealed that 79 per cent of tenants are worried about spiralling costs.

Research shows that around 20 per cent of the average rent goes on electricity and gas bills, making the amount they would pay a determining factor in whether or not they choose to move into a property.

As an increasing number of Britons choose to rent property rather than buy a property, the number of tenancies has gone up by 20 per cent in the past three months alone.

This is making the issue of household bills an even more important factor for renters.

Financial concerns come top of the list in prospective renters' checklists, followed by noisy neighbours, permission to paint on walls and aspect of houses.

Around 27 per cent of Brits said they regretted not having found out about the level of household bills before moving in.

David Salusbury, chairman of the National Landlords Association, said: "Rising energy prices and leaner economic times mean tenants want to live in properties which are fuel efficient and don't waste money.

"Now, landlords in England and Wales will have to provide this critical information up front, enabling tenants to make more informed decisions about where they choose to rent. Landlords who own properties without proper insulation or older, inefficient boilers could find tenants are looking for energy efficiency and ever-cheaper fuel bills."

Search now for properties to rent  © Copyright.