Is Your Heating at Risk? Why 900,000 Homes Must Upgrade Electricity Meters Before 30th June 2025

Almost one million homes across Great Britain are being urged to check their electricity meters following an important announcement from the energy regulator¹ about Upgrade Electricity Meters. A nationwide switch-off of a decades-old system could affect how heating and hot water are delivered in many properties. If you or someone you know has an older electric meter and uses an off- peak electricity tariff, this could be essential reading.

What is happening?

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), sometimes called the Dynamic Teleswitch Service (DTS), is a technology that was introduced in the 1980s. It sends a radio signal to some older electricity meters to tell them when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. This allows households to heat their homes and water overnight when electricity is cheaper.

However, RTS is now reaching the end of its operational life. The signal infrastructure is no longer considered reliable or maintainable. As a result, the RTS signal will be permanently switched off on 30 June 2025¹.

According to Ofgem, around 900,000 RTS meters are still in use across Great Britain. All energy suppliers are expected to upgrade these meters before the switch-off date¹.

Why does it matter?

If you do not replace your RTS meter in time, your heating and hot water may stop working properly. For example, your system may switch on or off at the wrong time or fail to charge overnight. You might also be charged at the wrong times of day, which could result in significantly higher electricity bills.

This will not affect every old-style meter. Only RTS or DTS meters are impacted. However, if your property uses electric storage heaters, panel heaters, or immersion heaters, there is a strong chance you may have one.

How to tell if you have an RTS meter

There are a few signs to look for:

• You may have a separate switch box near your electricity meter that is labelled “Radio Teleswitch”.
• Your home is heated using electricity and does not have a gas supply.
• You live in a rural area or a high-rise flat.
• You are on a multi-rate tariff such as Economy 7, Economy 10, or Total Heating Total Control, where you pay cheaper rates at night.

If you are not sure, you should contact your electricity supplier. They will be able to confirm whether you have an RTS meter and arrange for an upgrade.

What should you do? Upgrade Electricity Meters?

The only technical replacement for an RTS meter is a smart meter. Smart meters can be programmed to deliver a similar service and will continue to support off-peak tariffs where available. Most households will be offered a smart meter by their electricity supplier at no cost.

If a smart meter cannot yet be installed in your area or property, your supplier will arrange for a suitable alternative. They are required to contact affected customers before the deadline to offer a replacement.

However, with hundreds of thousands of upgrades still needed, it is advisable to act early to ensure you are not left without heating or facing unnecessary delays.

What happens if you do nothing?

If you do not upgrade your RTS meter:

• Your heating and hot water may no longer function as intended.
• The system might stay on all the time or not come on at all.
• Your electricity supplier will not be able to record accurate peak and off-peak usage.
• You may lose access to cheaper off-peak rates and see your energy bills rise.

What are the benefits of a smart meter? And Upgrade Electricity Meters

Smart meters are modern devices that provide many advantages. They allow for automatic readings, accurate billing based on actual usage, and real-time monitoring of your energy consumption. Some tariffs are only available to smart meter users, and the meters make it easier to identify areas where energy can be saved.

Final advice about Upgrade Electricity Meters

If you are a homeowner, landlord or tenant and think your property might be affected, contact your electricity supplier as soon as possible. They will guide you through the process and arrange for a new meter to be installed in time.

Waiting too long could mean being caught out after the signal is switched off. It is better to be safe and make sure your home continues to run smoothly.

Sources:

1. National Energy Action (NEA). (2025). What you need to know about the Radio Teleswitch Service switch-off. Available at: https://www.nea.org.uk/radio-teleswitch-service-switch-off/#:~:text=Energy%20regulator%20Ofgem%20estimates%20there,their%20heating%20and%20hot%20water  . [Accessed 27 May 2025].
2. For more information, go to Mortgage – The Finance House

‌All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 29^th May 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

Please be aware that by clicking on to any of the above links you are leaving our website. Please note that neither we nor HL Partnership Limited are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

What Landlords Need to Know About the Renters’ Rights Bill

The Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to become law this year and will introduce significant reforms to the private rented sector in England. The changes are designed to improve tenant rights and raise housing standards, but they also bring new responsibilities for landlords¹.

This is a good time for landlords to understand what is coming, consider the potential impact on their business, and begin planning accordingly.

Changes to Tenancy Structure

The Bill will abolish Section 21 evictions. This means landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without giving a reason. All tenancies will become periodic by default, with tenants able to end their tenancy at any time by giving two months’ notice. Landlords will need to use specific legal grounds if they wish to regain possession of their property¹.

These grounds include moving into the property, selling it, or responding to tenant behaviour such as rent arrears or antisocial conduct. In some cases, landlords will need to wait twelve months after a tenancy begins before using certain grounds, and must give four months’ notice if they wish to repossess the property to sell or move in¹.

New Legal Requirements

The Bill introduces a number of new legal obligations. These include¹:

• Joining a mandatory Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman Scheme
• Registering on a new national Private Rented Sector Database
• Updating tenancy agreements to reflect changes in the law
• Considering reasonable requests from tenants to keep pets in the property
• Complying with the Decent Homes Standard, which will now apply to the private rented sector
• Avoiding rental discrimination against tenants with children or those in receipt of benefits
• Ending the practice of rental bidding by setting and advertising a fixed asking rent

Failure to meet these requirements may result in financial penalties, limitations on repossession rights, or legal action.

Financial and Operational Considerations

There may be additional costs and administrative work for landlords. This includes time spent updating tenancy documents, ensuring compliance, and potentially upgrading properties to meet new standards.

However, there are also potential benefits. Tenants who feel secure and well-treated are more likely to remain in a property long term. This can reduce void periods, improve rental income consistency, and reduce arrears. Well-maintained properties that meet modern standards may also retain or increase their value over time.

It is important to note that landlords will still be able to increase rents once per year, in line with market rates, by serving a Section 13 notice¹. Tenants will have the right to challenge any proposed increase through the First-tier Tribunal if they believe it exceeds market value.

What Landlords Can Do Now

Although the exact implementation date is yet to be confirmed, the Bill is likely to come into force later this year, possibly from October. Landlords should consider taking action now to prepare.

1. Review tenancy agreements to ensure they reflect the upcoming changes.
2. Check compliance with minimum housing standards and consider if any upgrades are needed.
3. Ensure awareness of the new ombudsman and database registration requirements.
4. Assess your property portfolio to identify underperforming properties or those that may require investment.
5. Discuss your longer-term strategy with a professional adviser if you are considering refinancing, selling, or restructuring your portfolio.

Supporting Clients Through Change

These reforms are significant, but not unexpected. Landlords have successfully adapted to major regulatory changes in the past decade, and many already meet or exceed the standards being proposed.

The Renters’ Rights Bill seeks to improve outcomes across the private rented sector. With timely preparation and professional support, landlords can navigate the changes with confidence.

Source:

1.  Gov.uk (2025). Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-bill/guide-to-the-renters-rights-bill    [Accessed 19 May 2025].
2. For more information, go to Mortgage – The Finance House

The FCA does not regulate some forms of Buy to Lets. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home/property.

Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 29^th May 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

Please be aware that by clicking on to any of the above links you are leaving our website. Please note that neither we nor HL Partnership Limited are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

Why You Should Speak to Your Adviser Before Going Direct to a Lender When Your Mortgage Deal Ends

When your fixed-rate mortgage deal comes to an end, it might feel easiest to stay with your current lender. After all, they know you, they already have your details, and they might even send you a letter inviting you to switch to a new rate. But should you go Direct to a Lender.

But before you sign anything, it is worth pausing to speak to your mortgage adviser. That simple conversation could save you money, give you more choice, and help you make a better-informed decision.

Here is why.

Your lender only shows you their own products

When you go direct to your lender, you are only seeing the options they choose to offer you. In contrast, your adviser can search across a wide panel of lenders to find a product that fits your circumstances. That could mean a lower interest rate, lower fees, or a more flexible deal that better suits your long-term goals.

Lenders do not always advertise their most competitive deals to existing customers, and some of the best rates on the market are only available through advisers.

You might be eligible for more than you think than if you go Direct to a Lender

Over the course of your mortgage, your circumstances may have changed. Perhaps your property has gone up in value, your income has increased, or your priorities have shifted. A mortgage adviser can review your full financial situation and check whether you qualify for better terms.

If you have built up equity, for example, you might now qualify for a lower loan-to-value band, which could open up access to more competitive rates.

There is more to a mortgage than the interest rate

While the interest rate is important, it is not the only factor. Your adviser will take the time to look at the overall cost of the deal, including any product fees, incentives such as cashback or free valuations, early repayment charges, and flexibility features like overpayments or porting.

It is not just about getting a cheap rate; it is also about finding the right solution for your circumstances.

You will receive personalised, regulated advice

A mortgage adviser is there to act in your best interests. They are regulated to ensure that the advice they give is suitable and appropriate for your needs. They will take the time to understand your goals such as keeping monthly payments low, repaying your mortgage faster, or securing flexibility for future plans.

They will also handle the paperwork and manage the process for you, saving you time and helping avoid mistakes that could lead to delays or extra costs.

It could cost you to wait

If you do nothing when your deal ends, you will automatically be moved to your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR). This rate is usually higher than the fixed or tracker rates available on the market and could add hundreds of pounds a month to your repayments.

By planning ahead and speaking to your adviser early, you can lock in a new deal before your current rate ends and avoid any unnecessary increases to your monthly payments.

Final thoughts about going Direct to a Lender

Your mortgage is likely one of your biggest financial commitments. When your current deal comes to an end, it is important to make a choice that works for your future and not just the easiest option at the time.

A short conversation with your adviser could make a real difference. Whether you want to remortgage, switch deals, or explore new opportunities, we are here to help you make the right move with confidence.

Contact us today to review your options and make sure you are not paying more than you need to.
Go to Mortgage – The Finance House
You can check us on the FCA register. Register Home Page

Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 29^th May 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

Please be aware that by clicking on to any of the above links you are leaving our website. Please note that neither we nor HL Partnership Limited are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

Could This 100% Mortgage Help Your Kids Buy a Home Without a Deposit?

If you have children or grandchildren stuck renting, watching house prices rise, and struggling to scrape together a deposit, there might be some long-awaited good news with 100% Mortgage.

A new No Deposit Mortgage from April Mortgages could help first-time buyers purchase their first home without needing any deposit at all.

Yes, you read that correctly. For the first time in years, eligible buyers can borrow 100 per cent of a property’s value, with no deposit required. Unlike past versions of 100 per cent mortgages, this one has been designed with long-term affordability in mind¹.

How does it work?

April Mortgages is offering fixed interest rates for either ten or fifteen years, which means no nasty surprises on your monthly payments. Even better, as you pay off your mortgage and your loan to value ratio improves, your interest rate will automatically reduce without you needing to do a thing.

You can also make unlimited overpayments whenever you like, and there are no early repayment charges if you want to repay using your own funds or move home before the end of the fixed term¹.

Who is it for?

This mortgage is aimed at people buying their first home who have found saving for a deposit an impossible task.

To be eligible, the buyer must:

• Be a UK resident aged under 70 (not older than 80 by the end of the mortgage term)
• Have a household income of at least £24,000
• Be buying a house, not a flat or a new build
• Choose a property worth over £75,000
• Pass a credit check and affordability assessment

It is available for home purchases only and must be used to buy the buyer’s main home. All applications will go through full underwriting checks to make sure repayments are affordable and sustainable¹.

Are there any risks with 100% Mortgage?

As with any mortgage, there are things to consider. A 100% mortgage can put you at greater risk of negative equity if house prices fall. This means you could end up owing more than your property is worth, which might make it harder to move or remortgage in future.

And while you do not need a deposit, there are still other costs to budget for – such as stamp duty, solicitor fees, valuation costs and moving expenses.

April Mortgages is fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and their lending decisions are based on strict rules to ensure the mortgage is suitable and affordable both now and in the long term¹.

Could this help someone you know?

If you are a parent or grandparent who has been looking for ways to help your family get a foot on the property ladder, this could be a game changer.

As always, we are here to help. If you would like to discuss this new No Deposit Mortgage or explore whether it might be the right fit for your child or loved one, just get in touch. As advisers, we have exclusive access to this mortgage and can guide you through the process step by step.

Sources:

1. April Mortgages (2025). No Deposit. Available at: https://www.aprilmortgages.co.uk/consumer/no-deposit/      [Accessed 19 May 2025].

‌

Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 29^th May 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

Please be aware that by clicking on to any of the above links you are leaving our website. Please note that neither we nor HL Partnership Limited are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.
For more information. go to Mortgage – The Finance House