First time tenant role, what to do with bills?

japmis

Paddy_H wrote: »

We would put the heater on for an hour in the morning and maybe 3 after work thats about it, we wont have the washing machine on the go all the time etc. Would £400 will cover the energy bills monthly? I understand its a 'How long is a piece of string' question.

Does the house have central heating? Or will you be using plug in radiators?

I rent a room in a big 3-storey new build, 3 double bedroom house with 2 other girls, so there is constant use of washing machine (no tumble dryer), daily use of dishwasher, heating is at 20 degrees 5-6 hours a day, minimum of 3 showers per day (often more because we all go to the gym), heating on all weekend, 3 separate meals cooked in the evening.... so I'd say we're pretty heavy users :rotfl:and our dual fuel bill is £120 month.

NB: We pay a flat rate every month, so we don't get a whopping bill in the winter, and build up credit in the summer. This works best for us in a shared house, but not everyone likes this method.

PLEASE make sure some bills are in your name and other's are in your boyfriends OR have a joint account. I've been in dodgy relationships, as have friends and family, where the relationship breaks down and one partner ends up with all the bills. It also works in both of your favour to have these bills for identity and credit purposes.

PLEASE be really hot on those meter readings, I'd use a comparison website to get a good deal, then phone them on the day you move in with your meter readings. I'd also give a copy to your LL/letting agent just for clarity.

PLEASE make sure you tell the council, you can let them know before you move in of your new address and they can get the ball rolling. Council tax arreas mount up quickly so stay on top of this one.

PLEASE add yourself to the electoral register, this is top priority for credit purposes (and voting, obviously!)

Hope this helps

Japmis

(I've been renting for 14 years)

japmis

Werdnal wrote: »

The day yuou get the keys check all the meters, take readings and dated photosgraphs of them if you want to be really "belt and braces". Contact each supplier and put the bills in your name. Do this as a matter of urgency as if there is any overlap in usage from the previous tenant, the utilities will bill you for that on your next bill.

Couldn't agree more.

PHARR

Very very good information from you all. Me and the OH cant thank you all enough. We have read through thorough and written down some valid points.

Thank you for all the input and important information.

Jonesy_McJones

Werdnal wrote: »

You can buy your TV license online, with monthly, quarterly (best value) or outright for the year payment options. It is in force from the moment you pay, so you can either buy it a few days ahead of your move to get it out of the way, or on the move in date. Legally, if you have a TV, you must have a license, even if you are not actually watching it!

From memory - a TV license covers you for whole calendar months (like car tax). So if you move in on the 28th May and your TV license starts on that date, it would last for 11 months & a few days (expiring on 30th April the following year). In that example, I'd be tempted to buy a TV license to start on 1st June to get the full 12 months.