November is when winter really arrived. Dark mornings, dark nights, a touch of frost, even a layer of snow. It is also the month many of us will have fired up the central heating for the first time this season.
The last few years have seen energy costs rise and we have become more aware of the price cap, watching as it rises and falls. Our vigilance is, in part, down to the issue of smart energy meters.
Millions of smart energy meters in existence
According to Smart Energy GB, there are now almost 35 million smart meters in Great Britain. We can watch the dial flick from green to red, see what appliances are heavy energy users and keep track of what we’re spending.
This figure is a little misleading, however. There are almost 30 million residential dwellings in the UK. That means even if every home has a smart meter, there are around 5 million unnecessary devices just kicking about, perhaps shoved in a drawer or consigned to the bin.
In fact, an article published by Uswitch found the take up of smart meters reached just 60% in 2023, suggesting millions of households have resisted the temptation to track the energy they use in a digital, real-time capacity.
Malfunctioning meters a big issue
And what about the households that do have a smart energy meter? Shockingly, Smart Energy GB also found almost 4 million meters are not working properly. The false readings are a worry at a time when the cost of energy is still historically high, with the energy price cap rising again in January 2025.
Malfunctioning smart energy meters are a concern when you consider another energy statistic. Earlier this year, energy experts Bionic reported an almost 50% increase in energy theft reports made to Crimestoppers, with more than £1.4bn of energy stolen each year across the UK. A meter that doesn’t work properly will make it harder to spot energy theft.
Energy crisis fuelling thefts
While energy theft has been previously linked to criminals tapping into a next door neighbour’s electricity supply to power heat lamps in illegal cannabis farms, the issue is more widespread thanks to fuel poverty. Individuals are now just as likely to steal energy to reduce their fuel bills and this applies to tenants too, so landlords should educate renters on the matter of energy theft.
Energy theft occurs when a third party tampers with a traditional box meter (commonly located on the outside of a property) or bypasses it altogether to syphon off gas and electricity for their own use.
Spot and stop energy theft
It’s a desperate and dangerous act that can result in gas leaks, electrocution and house fires. In fact, Stay Energy Safe says energy theft kills or badly injures 280 people every year. Here are some top tips for deterring and spotting energy theft at your property.
If you suspect energy theft at your property, start logging your meter readings (whether that’s an external box meter or a smart digital one) and contact your energy supplier and log the theft with Stay Energy Safe,a reporting service run by Crimestoppers.
As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise. Whether you're a landlord in Cardiff or across South Wales, understanding what makes a great home office can help boost your property's appeal, reduce void periods, and attract quality long-term tenants.
At RedKey, your local Cardiff and Newport property experts, we know how to position your rental to meet modern tenant expectations. Here are five key features that make a home office truly desirable — and how you can use them to your advantage.
Tenants value properties with plenty of natural light, and this is especially important in a home office. Natural light not only boosts productivity but is also linked to better sleep, improved mood, and fewer headaches.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If your rental’s home office has limited light, use mirrors to reflect brightness, opt for light-coloured furniture, and choose pale window dressings that let the sun in. Small changes can make a big impact when staging.
Remote workers spend hours at their desks, so comfort and functionality matter. A desk cramped against the wall may look space-saving, but it lacks practicality.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If space allows, pull the desk away from the wall to give the illusion of more room and improve comfort. Legroom is a key feature tenants now look for in Cardiff rental homes with workspaces.
Adding plants to a home office doesn’t just improve the aesthetics — it also boosts health and wellbeing. Studies show greenery can reduce stress, improve air quality, and increase focus and happiness.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
When staging your Cardiff rental, place low-maintenance plants or high-quality faux greenery in the office. It adds instant charm without requiring tenant upkeep.
Clutter is a productivity killer, and tenants want tidy, organised workspaces. Office essentials like chargers, stationery, and documents quickly pile up without the right storage.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Install floating shelves, built-in cabinets, or stylish storage baskets to help tenants keep the space organised. Highlight these features in your rental listing for extra appeal.
Wall colour plays a huge role in a home office environment. While tenants may personalise later, neutral shades are universally appealing and help stage the space in a way that feels calm and professional.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Stick to pale greens, cool blues, light greys, or off-whites. These tones help promote focus and relaxation — exactly what remote workers need.
With more tenants than ever working from home at least part-time, the home office has become a major selling point. Properties that include a functional and attractive office space stand out in the competitive Cardiff rental market.
By making just a few simple upgrades, landlords can:
Increase rental appeal
Reduce void periods
Attract high-quality, long-term tenants
Enhance rental value
At RedKey, we specialise in property management and marketing in Cardiff and South Wales. We know exactly what tenants are looking for and can help you present your property at its very best — including highlighting work-from-home features that drive results.
👉 Get in touch today for expert advice on staging, letting, or managing your rental property:
📞 Call 02920 090690 / 03333 447850
📧 Email hello@redkeylets.co.uk
Let us help you turn your rental into a high-demand property in the Cardiff rental market.
#CardiffLandlordTips #HomeOfficeCardiff #CardiffRentalMarket #RemoteWorkReady #CardiffLettings #SouthWalesProperty #LandlordAdvice #RedKeyPropertyExperts
As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise.
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