The 18 month contract for broadband etc. and renting for 12 months

moneyballs2

So BT are rather fond of 18 month contracts, which isn't very friendly for us, a couple whom are renting on a 12 monthly basis with a 6 month break clause.

Should the landlord wish to terminate the agreement after 6 months, we'll be liable to pay disconnection charges on the contracts we set up with the phone company, TV company etc. correct?

Is there any scheme or way to get around such an awfully long contract? Even 12 months is going to be unfavourable. Especially if there is a condition that the full contract must be paid.

I.e. Can the phone line provide (e.g. BT) charge you for the full 18 months if we wanted to cancel the contract after a year, or would there just be a disconnection fee?

Any ideas?

Yorkie1

Might be worth posting this in the home phone / broadband forum as they are the experts.

G_M

If you have a 6 month tenancy agreement why on earth are you considering signing an 18 month agreement with BT?

There are plenty of broadband prviders offering 12 month contract, not to mention some who offer NO contract tie-in.

Shop around!

Mikazaru

If you give BT the required notice you don't have to pay a disconnection fee but you have to pay the remainder of the contract if you cancel, however you can just move it to your new property with a few stipulations.

Owain_Moneysaver

The max penalty BT can charge you is £2-£5 per month for leaving the contract early, depending on the package. This is for telephone service. Source: Ofcom.

For broadband you can get providers with no minimum term (eg Plusnet), but there will usually be a setup fee / termination fee / no free modem, to reflect the charges they have to pay to BT Wholesale or Openreach to get the broadband turned on/off.

You might consider using a 3G Dongle for internet if you think you are likely to move on in less than a year.