From no contract deals to broadband-inclusive rentals, we're tackling this topic by sharing answers to common questions and helping you make the best decision about connectivity in your next home.
Do landlords have any legal responsibility to provide broadband?
The quick answer is – no. Anything like telephone, television and broadband are down to the tenant, although sometimes these will be included as part of the rental arrangement. However, landlords must ensure tenants can access existing utilities, like broadband, but they are not in any way obligated to install a new broadband connection.
What if your landlord does include broadband?
To make properties more attractive to market, some landlords offer internet that’s already up and running included. Nice and easy on one hand – you don’t have to sort out the whole switch admin and engineer visit – but what if…
Your internet is too slow?
If someone else has picked, you might end up with broadband that won’t cover your needs. Inheriting an old, slow service, is fine for light browsing but not so fine for daily Zoom meetings. So, if you are moving into a property where the internet is included as part of the rent, find out exactly what package and provider you’re going to use and whether or not it is suitable.
Landlord responsibilities
Landlords have an obligation to be transparent and must provide information about any broadband contracts that are currently in place — and the terms associated with them.
Have this conversation before you sign the tenancy agreement. Most landlords will allow you to switch provider once you move in, but remember this might take a while to get up and running so try and sort this out in advance. If you are not happy with the existing package and the landlord won’t allow you to switch provider, would this then be a deal breaker?
Tenant responsibilities
Equally, tenants have responsibilities too. Renters need to use the internet responsibly and consider the needs of others who may be sharing the property’s broadband too.
What if there’s no broadband access at the property?
As of January 2024, 97% of UK premises can access partial fibre broadband. That means you can get a package that will give you speeds of between 30-80Mbps. But if you need a more powerful fibre connections that’s not in reach of the property, or your landlord won’t let you install, then another option is needed.
Alternative options? Mobile home broadband
Ditch the cable and go for a mobile phone network like Three Home Broadband instead. This service by one of the UK's leading mobile providers lets you get online through a 4G or 5G network to enjoy fibre speeds without a physical network. No landline is needed. No engineer visit will be required. It really is just a case of plugging in a hub and off you click. These can be unplugged and used elsewhere too, so perfect for anyone with two addresses, or in short-term accommodation.
It’s technically like a mobile Wi-Fi device, but their broadband hubs give a much stronger and greater reach than a dongle. They can power entire homes rather than just a single device. Whether Three Home Broadband will be suitable depends on how good the signal is in your area. Coverage isn’t guaranteed everywhere, so the first port of call is to check your postcode. This will show whether you are in range. It also shows whether you’ll be on a 5G or a 4G signal. 5G is what you’ll ideally want as it gets faster speeds and greater bandwidth.
Signal strength is everything with this technology. Unlike fixed-line, it’s difficult to know exactly how strong – or not – your home’s connection to its nearest mast will be until you actually plug in and try. Three Home Broadband acknowledge this and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee for anyone that’s disappointed.
Can you move your broadband if you move out?
Most broadband contracts are 18 or 24 months, where as tenancies tend to be 12 months. So, what if you suddenly need to move on?
Most broadband providers will allow you to take your broadband service with you when you move, as long as they have coverage in that area — although a small charge may apply.
Some providers might also require you to start a new contract with them, which means committing to another 12, 18, or 24 months with that specific broadband provider once you move to your new address. Not always a bad thing as you can sometimes negotiate a lower price.
Consider a no contract broadband deal
The shorter deals with 12-months or rolling monthly contracts will give you more flexibility and freedom for the unknown, allowing you to switch providers or cancel your service at any time without incurring early termination fees.
Not all providers offer these, some only have 24-month contracts. And you’ll pay a higher monthly price for the advantage of not being tied down. You’ll also be more likely to be charged extras such as set-up or installation fees. However, there are some good no-contract options we like, such as:
Rebel
This provider offers rolling 30-day contracts at the same monthly price (you will have to pay a £60 set-up fee) as its 12-month contracts, clear pricing that won't suddenly increase mid-year and really powerful routers and Wi-Fi boosters.
NOW Broadband
One of Now Broadband’s big attraction is its flexibility. As well as 12-month contracts, it also offers one-month rolling contracts. Perfect if you are looking for any short-term options. These normally have the same monthly price as their longer-term equivalents, but just be aware that there will be a much higher setup fee at the beginning to factor in.
Hyperoptic
There is great flexibility with Hyperoptic’s contracts. You can choose to take any of its five packages as monthly rolling, 12 months or 24 months. The longer the contract, the less you pay a month, but it’s a great option for anyone looking for short term internet usage.
Getting a new line installed at a rental property
As a renter, you’ll need to get permission from the landlord if your switch requires an engineer to install a fibre line. Your landlord might want to supervise the installation process to make sure there’s no unsatisfactory alterations to the property as some external and internal drilling will probably be required.
What type of broadband will be best for your household?
The best broadband for renters depends on the type of renter you are and your needs:
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 what speed you need here.
Single-person households
Single renters may be fine with lower-speed packages, but you should still consider the provider’s reliability and customer service in case of any issues — especially when working from home. Check out reviews of all our providers.
House shares
Discuss broadband arrangements with the other occupants in a house share or student flat. Decide on the package, the provider, and how the bills will be split. This helps avoid conflicts in the future.
Compare broadband deals for renters
From 12-month contract options to mobile home broadband, use our clever comparison platform to filter by contract length, price, speed and provider to find the perfect connection. Make the switch today.
