Looking for a renter’s guide to lowering bills in Australia? You’re not alone. Between rising rent, growing grocery prices, and soaring power bills, it can feel like your paycheck disappears before you even see it. And while you may not own the property, you’ve got more control over your utilities than you think — and that’s exactly what this guide will help you unlock. — the electricity, gas, water, internet bills that always seem to arrive at the worst possible moment. And even though you don’t own the place, you’re the one footing the bills.
The good news? You have more control than you think.
A lot of renters believe they’re stuck with high power bills because they can’t install solar panels or upgrade appliances. But the truth is, even without owning the home, you can make smart, simple changes that lower your utility costs — without needing your landlord’s permission.
This is your practical, renter-friendly guide to slashing utility bills in a way that actually works.
You Have the Right to Choose Your Energy Provider
Let’s start here because a lot of renters don’t realise this: unless utilities are contracted with the building and included in your rent (which is rare), you get to choose your own electricity and gas provider.
If you’ve never switched, or if you’re on a plan your landlord originally set up, you might be overpaying. Energy companies often put customers on “default” or “standing” offers that have higher rates — just because no one asked for better.
🛠️ What to do:
- Grab your last energy bill and look at two things: the daily supply charge and the usage rate (in cents per kWh).
- Use a comparison site like Energy Made Easy or Compare the Market to see what providers offer in your area.
- Look for:
- No lock-in contracts
- Lower daily charges
- Discounts for direct debit or paperless billing
🎯 Even a small rate drop can save you hundreds per year.
Keep Heat In (or Out) with Cheap DIY Fixes
Simple solutions like this are often overlooked, but they make a big impact. This renter’s guide to lowering bills is all about finding ways to save that actually work — no tools, no landlord approval, and no nonsense.
Most rentals aren’t exactly built for energy efficiency. If you’ve lived in a place with paper-thin walls or leaky windows, you know the struggle of heating or cooling a space that feels like a wind tunnel.
But insulation doesn’t have to be complicated (or permanent).
🛠️ What renters can do:
- Use draft stoppers at the bottom of doors (rolled-up towels work too).
- Apply stick-on weather seal tape around windows.
- Hang up thermal or block-out curtains — they help regulate temperature and reduce outside heat or cold.
- Close doors to rooms you’re not using.
💰 All of this can be done for under $50 and can cut heating/cooling use by 10–20%.
Adjust Your Thermostat Settings Smartly
Heating and cooling are some of the biggest energy hogs in any home. And small changes to your thermostat can make a big difference.
🛠️ Here’s the magic range:
- In winter: 18–20°C
- In summer: 24–26°C
Every degree beyond these ranges can add up to 10% to your energy bill.
Don’t forget to turn off systems when you’re not home — or use a timer if you tend to forget.
If you’ve ever felt stuck paying high power or internet bills just because you’re renting, this renter’s guide to lowering bills is packed with tips that don’t require permission from your landlord.
Stop ‘Phantom Power’ from Sucking Your Money
Many appliances draw power even when they’re “off.” TVs, gaming consoles, microwaves, and phone chargers all quietly consume electricity — it’s called phantom power.
🛠️ How to fight it:
- Switch off devices at the wall when you’re not using them.
- Use smart powerboards or timers to cut off standby power overnight.
- Put TVs and consoles in energy-saving mode.
Over a year, cutting phantom power can save you $100–$200, especially in small apartments with lots of gadgets.
Save on Water Without Sacrificing Comfort
If your rental has you paying for water usage (many units and newer builds do), there are still things you can do to keep your bill down.
🛠️ Renter-friendly tips:
- Use a low-flow showerhead (you can install your own and switch it back when you move out).
- Keep showers under 4 minutes — every minute saved = 9 litres of water.
- Only run dishwashers or washing machines with full loads.
- Let your property manager know if you notice any dripping taps or leaks.
Small changes = noticeable savings, especially in larger households.
Review Your Internet and Mobile Plans (Yes, Really)
It’s easy to forget that your telco bills are utilities too. And if you’ve been on the same plan for a year or more, you’re probably overpaying.
🛠️ Quick wins:
- Compare NBN providers — some plans now offer unlimited data for under $60/month.
- Consider 4G or 5G home internet if NBN isn’t reliable or affordable.
- Switch mobile providers — smaller players like Boost, Amaysim, or Circles.Life use the same networks as the big telcos but charge much less.
🧾 This is one of the fastest ways to free up $20–$50/month — no tools or landlord approvals needed.
Check for Concessions and Rebates (Many Renters Miss These)
If you’re on a tight budget, receiving Centrelink, or hold a concession card, you could be missing out on rebates or discounts designed to help with utility costs.
🛠️ Where to check:
- Visit your state’s energy website (e.g. Service NSW, Victoria Energy Compare, SA Gov).
- Ask your provider directly: “Am I eligible for any concessions, rebates, or hardship support?”
Even renters can access these benefits — you don’t need to own the home.
Start Tracking Your Usage — Awareness = Savings
Here’s the truth: most people don’t remember what they paid last quarter. But when you start tracking your utility bills, even with a simple spreadsheet, you’ll begin to notice patterns.
🛠️ Tracking tips:
- Log your bills (electricity, gas, water, internet) every quarter.
- Compare usage and cost over time.
- Look for seasonal spikes or billing errors — they happen more than you’d think.
There are also free apps like Frollo, MoneyBrilliant, or even your bank’s budgeting tools that help make this easy.
Bonus: Build a Renter Utility Saver Kit (Under $50)
Want to take action this weekend? Here’s a low-cost toolkit every renter should own:
- Door draft stopper: $10
- Stick-on window seal tape: $6
- LED light bulbs (if you still have old halogens): $10–15
- Thermal curtain panel: $20
- Powerboard with timer/switch: $10–20
You don’t need to gut your budget — just start where you are. These small tools can pay themselves off within a couple of billing cycles.
Final Thoughts: Renting Doesn’t Mean You’re Stuck
Yes, you’re renting. No, you can’t install solar or replace the hot water system. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept high bills or feel powerless about rising costs.
As a renter, you still have control — over your usage, your provider, your habits, and your choices.
And every bit counts. Lowering your power or internet bill by just $30/month adds up to $360 a year — that’s a weekend getaway, an emergency fund top-up, or just less stress when bills hit.
So start with one change. Track one bill. Switch one provider.
You’ll be amazed how quickly it adds up.
Whether you’re in a share house, unit, or family rental, this renter’s guide to lowering bills is your starting point to take control and stop overpaying.
Want a Quick Win?
Take control of your bills — without waiting for landlord approval.