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Heat networks are utility systems where heat is distributed through a series of pipes within a single building, multiple buildings or even across an entire city! If your property is serviced by a heat network, it does not need an individual boiler or electric heater.

Heat is centrally generated at a central source which is often referred to as the Energy Centre. Energy Centres can be powered in many ways and might come from many different energy sources, including renewable technologies, and then delivered to your property by distribution pipework. There will normally be a Heat Interface Unit (HIU) or other system to turn the heating on and off - it’s normally around the same size as a gas boiler.

The HIU will contain a heat meter to measure the amount of heat used in kWh (Kilowatt-hours). This means you or your tenant will only pay for what is used, as measured by the heat meter (also known as a thermal energy meter). The utility supplier for heat and/or hot water will be the Heat Network Operator, which is the organisation that operates and/or owns the heat network.

There are a number of sustainability benefits of heat networks as well as providing a reliable and cost-effective method of supply to consumers. A heat network isn't a new idea and they have been extremely popular across Europe for decades and are increasingly common in the UK, especially when linked to renewable technologies.

It’s always a great idea to make sure any prospective tenants know that the property forms part of a heat network. Using heat networks to heat homes can significantly lower costs and lower carbon emissions too, helping us on our way to our shared Net Zero targets.

Keeping your tenant informed will also mean a smooth transition when we set up their account and move the property into their name.

If you need to inform us about a new tenant, you just need to fill in our Moving Home? Landlord form to let us know the new tenant’s details and we can get in touch with them to set up their account.

When you become the owner (or tenant) of a heat network, your Utility Provider – the Heat Network Operator (HNO) will ask you to sign a Heat Service Agreement.

This is sometimes referred to as a Residential Supply agreement. This is a contract between you and the HNO, just as you might have for your electricity supply, or for your car insurance.

Like most contracts, it will contain the key terms and conditions of your Heat supply, and set out guidelines for service levels you can expect from your HNO.

Not all HNOs use Heat Service agreements. Sometimes the terms and conditions of the supply of heat and hot water are written into a leasehold or tenancy agreement.

The best thing to do is to check your leasehold or tenancy agreement, and then contact your HNO directly to request a copy of the Heat Service agreement. It’s important you have a copy so that you know what to expect from your HNO, and from your supply of heat and hot water.

If you are a landlord, your tenant should sign their own copy of a Heat Service agreement when they become liable for the supply of heat and hot water. Make sure you update your HNO when a new tenant moves in or when an old tenant moves out to ensure that the right person is responsible for paying the bills.

If you need to let us know about a change of tenancy, you can fill in our Moving Home? Landlords form here.

That’s great news! It’s important that your new tenant knows that your property is on a heat network. Make sure you or your managing agent informs them of this.

Next, you just need to fill in our Moving Home? Landlords form to let us know the new tenant’s details, and we can get in touch with them to set up their account.