Multi-site estates
Landlord-managed and tenant energy supplies explained
Is the landlord or the tenant responsible for our business energy supply?
Responsibility depends on the lease, occupation arrangements, metering and supply contract—not merely who uses the building. A tenant may contract directly with a supplier, receive energy through a landlord-managed supply, or occupy part of a site with sub-metered or apportioned charges. Confirm the position for every supply before switching or installing equipment.
Written by Energy Guide editorial team · Specialist review: Pending · Source checked:
Separate physical use from contractual responsibility
Identify the legal entity named on the supplier account, the MPAN or MPRN, the meter serving the occupied area and any landlord recharge. A service-charge line is not automatically a direct supplier contract, and a meter visible within the premises may serve more than one area.
Read the property documents and the energy evidence together
Check the lease, licences, service-charge provisions, bills, meter schedule and handover information. Ask the landlord or managing agent to explain the calculation and supporting data for any recharge.
- Who can appoint or change the supplier?
- Is consumption metered, sub-metered or apportioned?
- Which standing, network and administrative costs are recharged?
- Who owns and maintains the meter or sub-meter?
- What consent is needed for solar, batteries or new equipment?
- How are opening and closing readings agreed?
Resolve uncertainty before committing
Do not include a landlord-controlled supply in a tenant procurement exercise or installation proposal until authority and responsibility are evidenced. Record unresolved points and the person responsible for obtaining written confirmation.
Sources
These sources support the explanation above. Check the linked source for current rules and eligibility.