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LEAVING the lights on, dirty dishes and not paying the bills on time are among the biggest gripes for Brits who rent.

A survey of 2,000 private renters found they have an average of two fallings out each week with those they live with.

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These issues have been intensified by the pandemic with 28% feeling stir crazy as they stare at the same four walls while and 21% dreaming about a more homely living space.

While huge swathes of homeowners have enjoyed getting stuck into home renovation projects this past year, 28% of the nation’s estimated 11million renters feel they have been missing out.

A quarter of those polled wished they could have given their home a makeover – with painting, replacement flooring and new shelves topping a list of tasks they’d like to carry out.

However, a third of renters are too worried to ask for their landlord to improve the property.

But it is not just the aesthetics causing issues among households, with almost one in 10 renters also quibbling over bills.

The research was carried out by Smart Energy GB to highlight how smart meters give renters greater visibility of their energy use and, in the case of house-shares, enable people to split bills more easily.

Almost two thirds (62%) of respondents said they didn’t have a smart meter, with 52% not realising that they are entitled to request one from their energy supplier if they are the energy billpayer.

For those on pre-payment meters, smart meters allow top ups from home, which could bring an end to fights about who has to go out to the shops to put money on the meter.

With automatic billing and energy usage shown in near-real time, the appliances also give renters greater visibility of their energy use.

The survey, carried out by OnePoll for Smart Energy GB, revealed the big issues among rental households were leaving lights on, leaving dirty dishes in the sink, not turning the TV off and putting recyclable goods in with general waste.

Renters face further frustrations from a lack of house pride – with almost half (46%) saying they are the only one who takes any care in looking after the property.

And 49% said they feel like they are the only one who takes any responsibility for the energy they use in the property.

Smart Energy GB has teamed up with property expert Kate Faulkner, founder of Propertychecklists.co.uk to advise British renters.

Robert Cheesewright, Director at Smart Energy GB, said: “Tensions can rise in households and it’s clear that everyone has challenges now and then.

“After the year we’ve had, it’s no surprise that renters are doing all they can to improve their home environments, and it’s great to see that energy efficiency and sustainability are a big part of that.

“If you’re renting and you pay the energy bill, it is your right to request a smart meter from your energy supplier.”

Ms Faulkner added: “With people spending so much more time at home, many are keen to improve their living space, with sustainability being a key consideration.

“It is natural to want to make your home as comfortable as possible, and the good news is that there are some improvements private renters can make to their homes which don’t require permission from the landlord, or which the landlord is happy for you to go ahead with.

“Things like tidying the garden or outdoor space and of course adding your own furniture can make it feel more like home – all of which can be easily removed prior to leaving.”

To find out how to approach your landlord about a smart meter installation – and if one is right for you – go to smartenergygb.org.

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk