Energy suppliers have turned up their focus on the lettings market with two suppliers now offering bespoke void management and tenant tariffs.

At the end of last week administrators were appointed to lettings agency utilities supplier Spark Energy, but it swiftly emerged it could be acquired by larger rival Ovo Energy and allowed to continue as a standalone brand.

Proptech lettings agent services supplier Goodlord has unveiled a new energy switching and void management product for its users in partnership with Octopus Energy.

Goodlord Switch will let agents earn a commission for each property that signs up and remains with Octopus Energy.

The service operates separately to Goodlord and promises tenants affordable and specialist green energy deals, as well as bespoke deals to cover void periods for landlords.

William Reeve, chief executive of Goodlord, said: “After a successful testing period with a select group of our agency customers, we are excited to officially begin offering Goodlord Switch to the entire lettings industry.

“This launch marks a significant first for Goodlord, as it’s our first product in our suite of services for letting agents that can be used independently of the Goodlord platform.”

Greg Jackson, chief executive of Octopus Energy said: “Octopus Energy is proud to partner with Goodlord on GoodlordSwitch, which means their letting agents can start providing their tenants with energy that’s not only better for the planet, but better for their wallets, too.”

Meanwhile, the Tenant Shop has partnered with energy supplier ScottishPower to give landlords a bespoke tariff for their void periods.

The utility management software platform, which helps lettings agents offer landlords energy and broadband tariffs, said tenants will also be helped to switch to a ScottishPower tariff once they move into the property.

Landlords will also benefit from 45 days of no standing charge during the void period, meaning they are exempt from the usual access fee for using gas and electricity.

Tenants will still be able to transfer to another provider if they wish.

Gillian Noble, sales director at ScottishPower, said: “Tenant Shop’s excellent reputation and its strong relationships with letting agents makes them the ideal partner to help us deliver our commitment to making energy management easier for landlords and tenants across the UK.”

Glenn Seddington, chief sales officer of Inchora Group, parent company of the Tenant Shop, said: “By choosing ScottishPower as our energy provider we are able to offer our agents, their landlords and tenants not only the most appropriate tariff for their needs but also a company set to become the first large energy company in the UK to produce 100% green electricity.

“Landlords can now easily manage energy bills between tenancies and minimise cost. We know that for landlords and tenants setting up accounts with energy providers can be an administrative headache.

“For landlords it can cost them more than just time, particularly if properties are unoccupied for several weeks between tenancies, or prior tenants haven’t settled their final bills.

“This partnership will provide the perfect solution to these issues in the private rental sector.”