Can landlords include broadband in rent?
Yes. A landlord can set up a broadband account in their own name, keep it permanently connected at the property, and factor the cost into the rent.
Rules around charging tenants for broadband
If broadband is included in a bills-included rent, you can pass the cost on to tenants but there are limits. You cannot charge tenants more than the actual cost of the broadband service. There are specific regulations around this, particularly for Houses in Multiple Occupation. Mark-ups are not permitted.
HMOs: shared broadband considerations
In an HMO with multiple tenants, a single shared broadband connection needs to be sized appropriately for the number of residents. A 5-6 person HMO where everyone streams and works from home needs a significantly different package than a single-tenant property. Poor shared internet is consistently one of the most common tenant complaints. A mesh WiFi system ensures every tenant gets a usable connection.
What happens when tenants change?
When the broadband account is in your name, it stays live regardless of tenant turnover. No disconnection between tenancies, no waiting for a new installation. This is a significant practical advantage of the landlord-managed model.
