A Crimestoppers campaign is advising tenants on – in its words – “how to spot if your landlord is stealing energy.”

The Stay Energy Safe campaign is run by Crimestoppers, which is a charity, and it has produced five ways to identify how “some rogue landlords will go to extreme lengths to make extra money from their tenants and, in some cases, at the expense of their tenants’ safety.”

The campaign claims that energy theft by landlords poses significant risks to tenants, leading not only to financial loss but also exposing them to potential harm such as the risk of fire, electrocution or burns due to damaged appliances or exposed wiring. There is also the risk of gas leaks which can lead to explosions.

It adds that meter tampering can cause irregular gas supply that may lead to incomplete combustion in appliances, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide. 

A campaign spokesperson advises tenants: “It’s important to make sure that you don’t ever touch a meter that you suspect has been tampered with, as it could be extremely dangerous and result in casualties and fatalities.

“Regardless of whether you are a homeowner or not, every person has a right to feel safe in their home, and every tenant has the right to know exactly what they are paying for each month. Reporting landlords who tamper with meters to commit energy theft is everyone’s responsibility and helps everyone to rent and live safely”. 

The campaign outlines five signs that a meter has been tampered with by a landlord:

– 

1. Bills being included in rent 

The campaign says: “Although in some cases it’s completely harmless, bills being included in the total rent is something that tenants need to look out for. Including bills in the total cost of the rent gives rogue landlords the opportunity to tamper with meters, reducing the cost of energy used or even wiping it out completely. These landlords still charge tenants for the energy in the cost of the rent but pocket the money they have ‘saved’ by stealing the energy that tenants use. “

–

2. Restricted access to energy meters

“If your landlord has kept the electric and gas meters behind a locked door, and won’t grant you access to it, they could be trying to hide the signs of meter tampering. Every tenant and homeowner should have access to the isolation switch or valve in case of emergency.”

–

3. Landlord refusing a smart meter

“If you pay your bills at your property, you can request to have a smart meter installed, however, if your landlord manages the bills at your property, the decision is up to them. Discuss the option of adding a smart meter with your letting agent and landlord, but your landlord shouldn’t have an issue with a smart meter being fitted in your home. If they do refuse, it might be a sign that they’re up to no good.” 

–

4. Issues with the number display

“Check that the number dials or digits on the meter display are in working order with the numbers increasing at a reasonable pace. If the dials are going backwards, not moving at all, or even missing, that may be a sign of meter tampering. “

–

5. Exposed wires or rubber hoses around your meter

“It’s important that you regularly inspect your meter, looking out for any additional or exposed wires or rubber hoses as these can be clear signs of meter tampering. On top of this, if you can see any visible sparks coming from the meter or the wiring, this is a clear sign that the meter has been tampered with.”