Empty House - utility bills,c/tax, insurance

ecclesto

It looks like my tennants will be moving out at the end of June and I am thinking of selling my house. I now live away from the area. As the house will be empty am I liable for gas, electric, council tax etc? What sort of insurance will I need, at the moment I have landlords insurance.

dancingfairy

You may be eligible for 6 months free council tax if the house is unfurnished and empty. Otherwise you should get the second home discount if you are paying council tax elsewhere although you may have to send the council proof you are paying full council tax elsewehere.
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googler

The insurance will probably stipulate that the electricity and gas be turned off, and water drained down, if the property is empty for any length of time, so that removes two bills, contingent on the continuation of paying the first.

slyracoon

Yes you will be responsible for all utilities.

If the house is empty and unfurnished you should get excemption from council tax for 6 months.

need_help_please_2

Landlord insurance should remain appropriate cover; however, remember insurers normally reduce the level of cover available to FLE (fire, lightning and explosion) for unoccupied properties (the policy usually sets out whether this is after 30 or 60 days). As mentioned above, you would also be expected to disconnect all the utilities and drain down the central heating to prevent escapes of gas/water etc.

Sadly, unoccupied properties often get vandalised as it quickly becomes common knowledge that no-one is there. Therefore, you may wish to consider arranging theft/malicious damage cover for unoccupied properties (there are a number of insurer's / brokers that deal with this kind of risk).

mlz1413

If you intend to leave the utilities on (for viewings) then change to a standing charge inclusive tariff. As the amount of gas & elec used will be minimal this will be the cheapest option.

As others have said buildings & contents insurance are likely to have terms about empty properties which you should check.

June is a fair way off, could you ask the tenants if they were willing to accept viewings for a reduction in rent?