can landlord restrict tenant's choice of energy provider

Megawatt

In the MSE of 27/11/18, the following appears:

Renters can switch without landlords' permission. If you pay the energy bills directly (as opposed to your landlord via an all-in-one rent payment), you are allowed to switch without permission, though you may want to inform them out of courtesy.

The only exception is if you physically change the property such as switching from a prepayment to credit meter.

What if there's a term in the tenancy agreement that specifically prohibits any change without the landlord's consent?

Also, is a landlord obliged to agree to the installation of a pre-payment meter?

Carrot007

It's not the change of meter they can stop (unless it is actually their meter, which is rare unless they are a massive company). The problems is a change of meter type.


A pre payment meter might put people of renting. Or maybe the landlord only wants prepay to avoid issues with paying.


They really cannot stop you, as if you were in debt the supplier could force it. However they can charge you for putting it right at the end of the tennancy.

System

1. I am not sure if any landlord or tenant can actually prevent a supplier fitting a PPM provided the supplier is in full compliance with the regulations which requires them, for example, to fit a PPM before seeking an Order to disconnect for a debt.

2. Does a term in an agreement usurp a tenant's rights to switch? This is what Ofgem has to say on the matter:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/how-switch-energy-supplier-and-shop-better-deal/how-switch-energy-supplier-if-you-re-tenant

Well worth a read.