First time buyer, when to start Gas & electric etc?

mummybearx

Hi guys!

So, just about to complete on my first ever house purchase!

I'm buying my dad's house from him, I already live at the property and pay him rent in cash every month to pay the bills.

So, I need to get contracts myself and pay all the bills in my name.

Daft question, can I just check out the best available suppliers and start a contract with them?

Do I need to wait til my Dad cancels his first before I start mine?

I've never done this before, any help and advise welcome

DragonQ

Simply wait until the house is in your name, have your dad give final meter readings to your current suppliers, then start accounts in your name and give initial readings.

You have a nice advantage - since you've been living in the house already, you should know what your average yearly consumption is for gas and electricity. So as soon as the accounts are in your name, use a comparison website and switch to the cheapest supplier(s).

mummybearx

So I need to contact the existing suppliers first?

That won't tie me into a contract with them, will it?

macman

Yes, you can't commence a switch until you have an account with the existing suppliers.
You'll be in a contract regardles, but only if you choose a tariff with a lock in will an ETC apply-all Standard tariffs do not have ETC's..

Wywth

zepsgal wrote: »

So I need to contact the existing suppliers first?

Yes

zepsgal wrote: »

That won't tie me into a contract with them, will it?

Not unless that is what you agree to.

StuC75

since your currently living in the house, there is scope for it to be just a case of switching suppliers & lead name for the bill, have done it this way before to change suppliers and get cashback through quidco..

This prevents having an assumed contract, but that would only be for a month if you wanted to switch elsewhere anyway..