Utility bills when renting

Blakey1982

HI All

Just wondering where most landlords etc stand on this - basically i am going to sign a 6 month tenancy agreement and wondered if i had the choice of Utility providor?

For example getting Quidco money for switching to British Gas or Swalec etc etc???

Just wondered what the rules are on that, if its possible or any barriers you may think of such as minimum term for switching utility??

Thanks

Paul

CloudCuckooLand

Some landlords are a pain, others don't mind you switching.

G_M

You will be reponsible for the utility bills so the LL will have difficulty restricting you.

Having said that, you cannot make significant alterations to the property which will last beyond your tenancy, so, for example, switching to a pre-payment system (which is very difficult to switch back) would not be acceptable.

Similarly, if you sign up to a 12 month contract but leave after 6 months, you could end up being liable for the bills for another 6 months!

Blakey1982

Thanks both - appreciate your comments

I'm thinking of a 6 months tenancy agreement but rolling monthly bills with utility providers

Will check when i meet the LL

poppy10_2

I've never asked my LL's I just switch to the cheapest provider. If they want to switch back at the end of the tenancy that's their issue. Obviously yuu can't make mechanical changes to the property without the LL's permission, but switching gas/electricity suppliers is done on paper

DawnW

The reason LLs can be 'funny' about this is because it *has been known* for tenants to switch suppliers, run up big bills,leave,and the LL is in a situation where there is a lot owing and they have no idea who it is owed to.

I am not suggesting of course that the OP would do this, just that it has happened on occasion. With the house I rent out, I asked the tenants to simply let me know if they decide to change suppliers. They haven't switched, even though I have encouraged them to in order to save money - they are not the best with money unfortunately - but of course it is their choice.

I would suggest to the OP that they simply talk to their landlord about it.

boliston

your utility contracts (gas, electricity, broadband, phone etc) have nothing whatsoever to do with the landlord, so there is no reason to get the landlord involved.

If you run up a bill the landlord cannot ever be made to pay as he will have the tenancy agreement as proof of the tenant being responsible.

olly300

Common courtesy if you switch is to put a note some where i.e. in the meter cupboard if you have indoor meters of who the current utility providers are.

As the others have stated just changing to a provider and moving out without telling the landlord is not a good idea.

Blakey1982

Thanks All - great responses

There arent minimum terms for utilities are there? such as 12 months agreement for Electric??

Thinking of going through Quidco you see.....after all....it all helps