Gas & Electric in my soon-to-be-rented-out house

JenE_2

Advice please!
I'm about to rent out my house for the first time (to my brother for at least the first 3 months) and will also come off the Scottish Power fixed rate deal on 30th Sept. I'm not sure if they're going to try and sign me in for another year (might have had a letter, but had lots going on moving house so might have missed it, or might not have had a letter!).

But, how do landlords generally sort out suppliers? Is it normally left up to the tenants? It feels a bit unfair if I sign up for another 12 months when there's going to be someone else paying the bills. But on the other hand I need to get something sorted out in the next two weeks before the Scottish Power deal ends.
Thanks guys

DawnW

Your tenants will be responsible for the bills, and you will need to contact your gas and elec company to tell them that you are moving out and tenants moving in. You will need to read the meter when you move out, and advise your tenants to do the same when they move in - and again when they move out. You will probably have to come off your fixed deal.

DawnW

I should also mention, you really need a clause in your tenancy agreement (fairly standard) to say that tenants must let you know if they change energy suppliers, so that you are always aware who supplies the property. This is to avoid situations where tenants move out and have not paid the bills and you do not even know who to contact about it.

I really would recommend joining the National Landlords Association or similar as you have a number of legal obligations as a LL, and you could end up breaking the law without realising it. The NLA have a helpline and lots of useful information available, plus other benefits, and the membership fee is tax deductible (that's another thing you need to think about).

Good luck!

DVardysShadow

Take readings. Don't forget to take readings and keep them.