Can I switch in rented accommodation?

Alter_ego_2

Hi, I've recently and for the first time moved out of a family nest and into my own rented accommodation? We have not even met the landlord yet. Spoke to him a few times but he seems more of a silent partner.

We've not even got our gas bill, so I'm not sure who we're with but presume its British Gas and they provide our electric(on a metre).

Given that we're only initially on a short term tenancy agreement (6 months but hopefully we'll make it longer)What rights do we have to A.) Switch Gas B.) Go from a Metre to Bills and C.) Install a water metre as there's only 2 of us.

Also is there anything you'd recommend i.e. are we maybe better on the electric metre to begin with? No scary bills, etc.

SwanJon

If you are paying the bills you can choose who to pay them to, although you should let the landlord know who the suppliers are when you leave. (It's also nice to leave a note for the next tenant, maybe a post-it on the meter.)

Have a look at some of the comparison sites to find a supplier that suits your needs, baring in mind the length of your tenancy for delayed discounts.

As to switching the meter itself, try this article:
Cheap Prepaid Gas & Elec: How to get a credit meter or switch & save £100s

Take regular readings, especially when somethig changes (supplier, move in, tariff etc).

If you are willing to go online DD that's where you'll find the best deals, but if you plan to pay quarterly the PP meter will be the samne price.

Afraid I know nothing about water meters....

Wywth

Alter_ego wrote: »

Hi, I've recently and for the first time moved out of a family nest and into my own rented accommodation? We have not even met the landlord yet. Spoke to him a few times but he seems more of a silent partner.

We've not even got our gas bill, so I'm not sure who we're with but presume its British Gas and they provide our electric(on a metre).

Given that we're only initially on a short term tenancy agreement (6 months but hopefully we'll make it longer)What rights do we have to A.) Switch Gas B.) Go from a Metre to Bills and C.) Install a water metre as there's only 2 of us.

Also is there anything you'd recommend i.e. are we maybe better on the electric metre to begin with? No scary bills, etc.

How did you manage to rent a property if you have not met the landlord (or his agent)?

Did they not go through things with you?

Alter_ego_2

Not really. We went through an agency for the checks and then got a phone call of him to say everything was ok. Went down to get the keys but it was a representative of his that handed them over, signed the agreements and things. Was all a little confusing yes.

luvchocolate

In my tenancy agreement it says I need permission from landlord to change supplier, I asked and he told me to go with whoever I wanted to .....told me it was my home..I am very lucky with him he's been great.

t0rt0ise

You should have called the current supplier to set up an account and give opening meter reads. So you must do that first. And then you can change suppliers and / or type of meters.

[Deleted User]

For only 6 months on a prepay, its not worth the hassle of waiting in for a meter fitter to turn up and maybe approx £50 charge from most of the suppliers for the meter exchange. Prepays are now on "standard " tariff. a few percent more than discounted tariffs. Landlords usually prefer prepays so they avoid the common tenant/runner scenario

Atidi

Alter_ego wrote: »

Not really. We went through an agency for the checks and then got a phone call of him to say everything was ok. Went down to get the keys but it was a representative of his that handed them over, signed the agreements and things. Was all a little confusing yes.

That sounds like the landlord's agent to me!

As previously mentioned, you should have taken meter readings and contacted the approriate utility suppliers when you moved in.

You should contact them asap, even if you don't now have the meter readings .... but hopefully you agreed them with the agent on the ingoing inventory/statement of condition.

You didn't get one of them either? Oh my! :eek: