Broadband for renters: Tenant and landlord guide

Whether you're a new renter, part of a family, a single person, or sharing a home, getting the right internet connection can enhance your experience. 

In this guide, we'll help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and options when it comes to broadband as a tenant — or as a landlord.

Is it my landlord’s responsibility to provide broadband?

Landlords are not legally obliged to provide broadband, though some do include it in the rent. This is most common in professional house shares that may benefit from Premium WiFi.

Tenants and landlords should be aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to setting up broadband in a rented flat or other type of property:

Landlord responsibilities

Landlords are typically responsible for:

• Access to existing services: Landlords must ensure tenants can access existing utilities, like broadband, but are not obligated to install a new broadband connection.

• Transparency: Landlords need to provide information about any broadband contracts that are currently in place — and the terms associated with them.

Tenant responsibilities

 As a tenant, you are generally responsible for:

• Payment: Tenants are responsible for paying the broadband bills unless their tenancy agreement specifies otherwise.

• Fair use: Tenants need to use the internet responsibly and consider the needs of others who may be sharing the property’s broadband.

As a renter, you’ll need to get permission from the landlord if you want to install a fibre line. Not all broadband requires an installation — so permission may not be necessary if a connection is already available.

If you’ve just moved in and there’s Community Fibre equipment in place, we can get you set up without an installation — simply start a new web chat with us and we’ll get started.

Choosing the best broadband in a rented property

The best broadband for renters depends on the type of renter you are and your needs:

New renters

Check with the landlord or lettings company about the availability of broadband in the area before signing a tenancy agreement. You should consider broadband availability as a factor when choosing your rental property — the same as you would with other services.

Families

Families often require a higher-speed, more reliable broadband connection due to multiple devices and simultaneous usage. Look for plans with enough bandwidth to support everyone's needs. Learn more about the best broadband for large families.

Single-person households

Single renters may be fine with lower-speed residential packages, but they should still consider the provider’s reliability and customer service in case of any issues — especially when working from home. Learn more about the best broadband for one person.

House shares

It's crucial to discuss broadband arrangements with the other occupants in a house share, like a student flat. Decide on the package, the provider, and how the bills will be split. This can avoid conflicts in the future. Learn about the best broadband for students.

Finding the best deals

To find the best broadband, whatever type of renter you are, ask yourself the following:

• What speed can my household get?: Speeds in rural areas are slower than in cities like London, where we offer the fastest speeds in the capital. Household demands will also affect how fast your broadband feels. You can check your speed with our free tool.

• What if there are lots of people in the household?: More people in a home, just visiting, living there, or otherwise using the network, increases your broadband demands. Think about how many people will be using the network, and how often.

• How can I get the best price?: Costs vary depending on a variety of factors, such as speed or contract length, but you can always get the best price by assessing the cost/need balance. See our deals for unbeatable full fibre prices in the London area.

Take a look at our comparison chart for more detail on how we stack up against other providers in the UK in terms of speed, service, and prices.

Compare broadband deals for renters

In conclusion, finding the right broadband can enhance your quality of life as a renter. Understand your position, communicate with your landlord, and choose the right plan.

When searching for the best broadband as a renter, think about the following:

• Speed: Choose speeds that match your household needs. Faster speeds are essential for households with many users or devices.

• Reliability: Look for providers with a good reputation for consistent service. For example, our network is up 99.9% of the time.

• Contracts: Look for shorter-term contracts, easy cancellations, and simple switch providers. This way broadband is one less hassle when it’s time to move.

• Customer service: Check independent reviews to find providers known for excellent customer service. Trustpilot is an excellent source of unbiased ratings.

• Price: Stick to a budget by choosing a broadband package that aligns with your financial situation.

Doing so lets you enjoy a reliable internet connection while renting your property.

If you live in London, Surrey or Sussex? See this comparison table for a quick breakdown of how our service performs in all the above areas.

Remember, the best broadband for you depends on your unique circumstances and preferences. 

Check your postcode to see if the fastest speeds at unbeatable prices are available in your area.

FAQs about broadband for renters

---

Can my landlord force me to use a specific broadband provider?

Generally, no. You have the right to choose your broadband provider, but if a broadband connection is already established in the property and offered as part of the rental agreement,  it may be more convenient to use the existing service.

---

Can I install my broadband connection in a rental property?

It depends on your agreement and the landlord's policies. Some landlords may allow you to install a connection at your expense, while others may not permit it.

---

Can I take my broadband with me when I move?

Yes. If Community Fibre is available at the new address, you can still use our service when you move home. Use our postcode checker to make sure we’re available in your new place.

---

Do I need permission from my landlord to set up broadband?

It's advisable to seek permission from your landlord before setting up your broadband, especially if it requires any installation work or changes and adjustments to the property’s existing utilities.

---

How can I find the best broadband deals when renting?

You can use broadband comparison websites to explore available options, or contact providers directly. When you’re doing your research by yourself, compare speeds, prices, and contract terms to find the best package for your needs.

Compare us to providers in London. 

---

What can I do if my landlord refuses to address broadband issues?

If your landlord is offering broadband but it’s not working properly, you’ll need to document the issues, communicate with your landlord in writing, and check local tenant laws. If the issues persist, you may need to contact your local housing authority too.

---