utility bills

lindseywinky

I am about to rent a property but havent signed contract yet. I have been informed that I woudl need to allow 4 working days for connection to all services, gas, elec, water. Am I to understand I will have to pay a connection fee for this to the new providers? Or do I just have to send my details to the old service providers of previous tenants stating my details and meter readings? If so, I take it I will have to get the readings from the agents as I will need all services to be working prior to moving in!

I thoughty agents write letters to the service providers regarding new tenants!

BitterAndTwisted

Speak to the agents. I don't understand why the utilities would have been disconnected. If there's any reconnection charge payable I would view that as the landlord's responsibility not the tenant's

lindseywinky

thanks, I will contact the agents about this once I know the flat is definitely mine as still waiting on reference checks to be finalised which should be ok but been a long wait!!

G_M

Are the utilities actually disconnected or are they talking about transferring existing services into your name.

If actually disconnected, and there is a reconnection charge, I'd expect the Landlord/agent to pay this. Get their agreement IN WRITING.

bristol_pilot

The utilities don't charge a fee to put services in your name, sounds lile the agents are planning to charge you a fee.

mrcol1000

The tenant is usually responsible for contacting the utility companies but in a lot of flats especially modern developments tenants have no access to their own meters.