When Does Responsibility For Usage Begin?

WoodruffsDad

My 86 year-old mother-in-law has just purchased a retirement flat. The contracts were exchanged on Tuesday 7th. July 2009.

She has not moved in yet and probably won't for 2 or 3 weeks because her builders are doing some alterations and decorations. But the builders are using small quantities of electricity and water. (There is NO gas!).

At what stage should mother-in-law inform the utilities that she is responsible for the cost of electricity and water used at that address? And indeed Council Tax? From the date the contracts were exchanged or from the date she physically moves in?

Being "old school" she wants to do things properly!

Magentasue

You're liable from when you take possession - you're responsible for what the builders use. Get readings done, preferably witnessed. Otherwise, if the previous owners submitted low readings, your mother will be unable to argue that she isn't liable,

Premier_2

You normally take responsibility from the date contracts are completed rather than exchanged.

Contracts are not normally completed until all work is complete (except small snagging items)