Updated October 2026
In short: A landlord can't cut off a tenant's electricity to force them out or to recover arrears. Doing so can be harassment or unlawful eviction, which are criminal offences. Energy suppliers can disconnect for debt only as a last resort, under strict Ofgem rules, and disconnection of domestic customers is rare. Housemates generally can't lawfully cut off a co-occupier either.
| Who | Can they disconnect? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord | No, not to pressure a tenant | Only temporarily for genuine repairs or safety, with notice |
| Energy supplier | Only as a last resort for debt | Strict rules; vulnerable customers protected; prepayment meters usually used first |
| Housemate or joint tenant | Generally no | Disputes over bills are civil matters |
| Network operator | For safety or planned works | With notice for planned outages |
If your electricity has been cut off
- Check whether it's a power cut (call 105)
- Check your meter: prepayment credit or tripped fuse box
- If your landlord cut it off, ask them in writing to restore it immediately
- Contact your council's private housing or tenancy relations officer
- In an emergency or if you feel threatened, call the police
Landlords: the right way to deal with arrears
Use the legal process: arrears letters, a payment plan, managed payments where the tenant claims Universal Credit, and if necessary a Section 8 notice and court proceedings. Cutting off services can lead to prosecution and a rent repayment order.
How Fraser Bond helps landlords
- Arrears management through lawful routes
- Correctly served notices
- Utility management at tenancy start and end
Related guides
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