Advice on moving out

jojo9239

Hi

Well im taking the plunge and moving in with my fella. We're renting a flat for now and ive never lived anywhere but with my dad. So was wondering what do i need to do in terms of bills and stuff. Were signing on 2nd May and get keys then however not moving in till 8th due to work and uni commitments. Im not sure if flats have individual meters??

Any advise appreciated xxx

Gwhiz

You should ask the LL/LA. When you move in take meter readings and then inform the relevant providers (gas, elec, water) if the LL/LA has not already done so. I'd also call the agent to see about a phone. BT (or whoever you use) will normally need a few weeks notice to get you live.

poppysarah

Take pics of the place when you move in so you can verify the state of the place is the same when you move out. Bills - take photos of the meters too! I can't get in the electric cupboard here without moving a shedload of stuff so I reach in with the cam and take a pic for the reading

tbs624

Get all utility bills put in both names, same for Council Tax. MSE Martin has highlighted that BT are currently waiving the 120-odd quid for new connections so that could be a saving for you.

Bear in mind that you'll probably be signing up to your tenancy with "joint and several liability" which means that the LL can pursue both or either of you for any payments due under the contracts. Have look at the "Sticky" Tenant's Guide to Renting up at the top of this board

Read the contract thoroughly before signing - a good LL/LA will give you a copy in advance to allow you time to do this. If there is anything about which you are not sure, query it and get your own independent advice before signing up. watch especially dor mention of renewal fees should you want to remain in the property after theoriginal Fixed Term.

jojo9239

Ohhhh do BT charge u for installing a phone line? We aren't going to use the phone just for broadband really

bristol_pilot

They charge £125 for switching on a phone line that's already there !

jojo9239

bristol_pilot wrote: »

They charge £125 for switching on a phone line that's already there !

OH MY!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

bristol_pilot

I strongly advise against getting bills and especially a bank account (most especially a bank account with a credit facility) in joint names. People who do so often find out the hard way just exactly what 'joint and several liability' means (i.e. your partner can rack up a £50k debt and YOU are responsible for paying ALL of it).

jojo9239

Ohhhh no im paying the rent and hes giving me half then hes paying all bills and im giving him half! We both believe in separate accounts

tbs624

bristol_pilot wrote: »

I strongly advise against getting bills and especially a bank account (most especially a bank account with a credit facility) in joint names. People who do so often find out the hard way just exactly what 'joint and several liability' means (i.e. your partner can rack up a £50k debt and YOU are responsible for paying ALL of it).

I'd agree with you on the joint bank account but if they are both signing up to one agreement for the tenancy then they *will* have JS&L for the rent , regardless of how they want to try to arrange things between themselves.

Not really sure I follow your logic on gas/elec/phone bills etc - if there are 2 of you and only one has their name on the bills the other one is *still* using the facilities (ie "racking up" a cost) and there is nothing to stop them changing their mind about contributing a share of it during the tenancy or at the end of it when the final bills need to be met so you would still be paying ALL of it. One pays the rent which is fixed for a set period, the other pays bills which are are not. Love's young dream..........;)

jojo9239

I dont think that we would 'rack up' a use of electric and water. I think its quite reasonable that i pay rent and he gives me half and we share bills??? Sometimes you have to trust ure partner no?