Plugged In? Broadband Tips for UK Landlords and Tenants

Broadband Tips for UK Landlords and Tenants

Broadband router

In today’s digital-first world, a reliable broadband connection is no longer a luxury—it’s an essential utility as a lot of people work from home. Whether you're a tenant or purchaser moving into a new home or a landlord preparing a property for let, understanding broadband options and responsibilities can make for a smoother move and significantly enhance the living experience.

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This guide offers a practical overview of broadband in UK rental properties, covering connection types, legal considerations, installation tips, and advice for both landlords and tenants.

Why Broadband Matters in Rentals

Broadband impacts almost every aspect of modern life—from remote working and streaming to online education and smart home devices.

• For tenants, high-speed internet is crucial for work-from-home arrangements, online entertainment, and day-to-day communications.

• For landlords, offering a broadband-ready property adds market appeal, particularly among younger renters, students, and families who priorities digital access.
  

Types of Broadband in the UK

The type of broadband available to a rental property depends largely on location and infrastructure. Here are the main types:

Fibre Broadband (FTTC and FTTP)

• FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet)This is the most widely available type of fibre broadband.

• Fibre optic cables run to a local cabinet on the street, and copper phone lines carry the signal into the home. It offers good speeds (typically 30mb–1 Terabyte) at affordable prices. Example is Community Fibre which is being rolled out in the UK mainly London gives 1Tb speed and is affordable at below £30 a month click here to look if they are in your area.

• FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)Also known as full-fibre, FTTP uses fibre optic cable all the way into the property, allowing for ultrafast speeds (up to 1 Gbps or more). Example is virgin media

• Ideal for HMOs, professional lets, or households with high data demand.
  

ADSL Broadband

ADSL uses existing copper telephone lines and is generally available anywhere a phone line is present. It’s slower than fibre (averaging around 10–20 Mbps) but can be a low-cost solution for light internet users.

Mobile Broadband / 5G Routers

Instead of a fixed line, mobile broadband uses a SIM card and mobile data to connect to the internet. Speeds depend on signal strength, with 5G routers offering performance comparable to fibre in some areas. These are useful in short lets, rural homes, or properties without wired connections.

Satellite Broadband

Often used in rural or remote areas, satellite broadband connects via a dish on the property. It’s typically slower and more expensive but can be the only option where landlines or mobile signals are unavailable. Look at offers from suppliers here https://vch.store/gatewaypropertyhub

Different connections like wi-fi and broadband and hard wired 

Things Landlords Should Consider

1. Is Your Property Broadband-Ready? Properties with existing fibre connections (e.g. Openreach or Hyper optic) are more attractive to tech-savvy renters. Where possible, landlords can check eligibility and arrange pre-installation for full-fibre during void periods. You can check broadband availability by postcode using comparison tools like Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket.

2. Should You Include Broadband in the Rent? For shared accommodation (e.g. HMOs, student lets), including broadband in the rent simplifies bills and ensures consistency across tenancies. In single lets, tenants usually prefer to choose their own provider.

3. Permission for Installation If a property lacks broadband, tenants may request permission to install a new line—especially fibre. While this may involve drilling or external work, allowing it can increase tenant satisfaction and reduce voids.

4. Consider Bandwidth for HMOs In shared housing, multiple users may stream, game, or work online simultaneously. It’s wise to choose a provider and package that can handle the demand—typically fibre with speeds over 100 Mbps.

5. Smart Home Integration Properties with smart thermostats, security systems, or lighting may require a stable internet connection. A broadband-ready infrastructure makes these features easier to support.

Things Tenants Should Know

1. Check the Broadband Situation Before Signing Ask whether broadband is already set up and which provider (if any) is active. If no service is in place, factor in potential installation delays when planning your move-in.

2. Do You Need Permission? Most tenants can arrange their own broadband, but if installation requires drilling or structural changes (e.g. new wiring or an external cable), permission from the landlord is usually needed as it might affect waterproofing, sound proofing and fire resistance

3. Contract Length and Flexibility Look for broadband deals that match your tenancy length. Short-term or rolling contracts are ideal if you're renting for less than 12 months, while longer contracts may offer better value if you’re staying put.

4. Equipment Responsibility If a router or modem was provided by the landlord, check whether you need to return it when you move out. If it’s part of your own contract, it’s your responsibility.

This is a wireless router it's got the aerials to connect to your devices

Popular Broadband Providers in the UK

Here's a rundown of some of the main broadband providers available to UK renters:

• BT – Nationwide coverage, good speeds, and bundled TV options.

• Virgin Media – Offers some of the fastest speeds (up to 1 Gbps), ideal for high-usage households.

• Sky – Popular with TV bundles, solid speeds and customer service.

• TalkTalk – Budget-friendly and available in most locations.

• Vodafone – Often includes perks like no setup fees and flexible contracts.

• Hyper Optic / Community Fibre – Full-fibre specialists, ideal for flats or newer urban developments.
  

Installation and Switching Tips

• Use Comparison Sites Postcode-based comparison tools like Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket let you compare speeds, contract lengths, and prices.

• Plan Ahead Installation can take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. If you're moving into a broadband-free home, arrange installation early to avoid downtime.

• Watch Out for Exit Fees If you're switching providers or leaving a property early, check the terms of your broadband contract to avoid penalties.

• Leave or Transfer Equipment Some providers allow broadband contracts to be transferred to a new address. Others may require returning equipment or paying early termination fees.
  

Legal and Practical Notes

• Broadband is Not a Legal Requirement While landlords must provide essentials like water, electricity, and heating, broadband isn’t yet classed as a required utility. However, a lack of internet access can make a property harder to let.

• Social Housing & Low-Income Support Tenants receiving Universal Credit may qualify for social broadband tariffs—affordable plans offered by most major providers. More information is available via Ofcom.

• Find Trusted Engineers If a tenant needs installation or repair help beyond the provider’s service, landlords and tenants can search for qualified engineers at WaterSafe (for plumbing) or use platforms like Checkatrade or TrustMark for broadband-related services.

Broadband router

Conclusion

Broadband has become one of the most valued utilities in UK homes—and one of the most overlooked areas of landlord-tenant communication.

For landlords, ensuring your property is broadband-ready, especially with fibre options, can increase rental value and reduce voids. In shared or student housing, including internet access in the rent can reduce disputes and improve service reliability. For tenants, knowing your rights, responsibilities, and available deals means you can get connected quickly, affordably, and without surprises.

Whether you're renting out a studio flat or moving into a shared house, being broadband-aware makes a big difference to how well-connected your home—and your tenancy—really is.

Look on our YouTube channel for more Home Hacks and Home Mover Tips for tenants and home owners alike. https://www.youtube.com/@GatewayPropertyHub/playlists