Bill set up in new home

rufus86

If I'm moving in to a property I've just bought which was previously tenanted, how does switching utilities work? How do I avoid being lumped with a quarterly bill owed by the previous tenants?

Soot2006

You call utility company and give them the meter reading from the move in date and they will start a new account for you.

Yorkie1

Don't forget the water meter reading, if there is one, as well as gas & electric.

Werdnal

Ring them all, and take dated photos of each meter to prove the reading you have given. You can follow up in writing or by email of you wish, but most will send you a welcome letter within a few days anyway, so you know its gone through in your name.

Check council tax too, to make sure they are aware of change of ownership.

You may want to change locks as well, as frequent changes of tenant could mean random keys still in circulation. If locks at your old and new house are the same, swap the barrels and leave the keys for the correct ones at your old property.

alta

Ring 0870 608 1524 to get your gas supplier, have the serial number to hand. Then phone the supplier with the readings.
Do the same with the electric contact the local electricity suppliers depending on your area.
If you are on metered water, take the reading and serial number and call the local water company.
Contact the local council office and update your details for the council tax.
If you are asked for the forwarding address, give them the letting agents details if you know them.