Moving out of rented - oil left in tank

samandmillie

When I moved into my rental property there was no heating oil in the tank (well maybe a couple of inches if that). We had it filled recently and there's still around half a tank left (at a guess 500-600L). I wondered what would happen if we decide to move out in the next month (only have a 1 month notice period)? Is it likely the supplier could remove the oil and give a refund? Many thanks

TBagpuss

Does your tenancy agreement say anything about the oil tank?

Guest101

Maybe sell it to the landlord?

Sorry don't know for sure but didn't want to read and run

moneyistooshorttomention

How much is that oil worth? (ie its replacement value)

00ec25

when you moved n your inventory *should* have included a measurement of the quantity of oil at that time.
it is normal on check out that a similar reading is taken and any difference is accounted for either through a refund from the LL or a deduction from your deposit
however, if your tenancy agreement is silent on who is responsible for the oil and/or there is no inventory then you have no option but to negotiate with the LL for a settlement

samandmillie

Thanks for the replies. There's no mention at all in the agreement, only that there's an oil tank outside.

chris_m

samandmillie wrote: »

Is it likely the supplier could remove the oil and give a refund? Many thanks

Very unlikely, for all they know it could be contaminated with water or sludge from the bottom of the tank.

juliep58

my daughter was moving house (not renting but buying but is suspect it is the same)and she paid her oil company £25 to suck out the oil at her old house and transfer it to the new house.

cynicalgit_2

Just run the heating 24 hours a day.

sandsni

At this time of year and in this cold weather, by the time you give your notice and then actually move out a good portion of that 500-600l could be used up if you're heating the place adequately (obviously depending on the size of the property). Don't forget the month's notice normally means "to coincide with a rental period" or whatever, so you might find you actually have to stay in the property for almost 2 months if you happen to give notice a day or two after the relevant date.

G_M

As said, either the tenancy agreement, &/or inventory, should specify what happens, and record the quantity of oil at start/end of tenancy.

Either way, a conversation with the landlord is required. Any decent landlord will measure the oil when you leave, take note of whether it is more/less than when you moved in and by how much, look at what price you paid per litre, and refund you for the excess oil you are leaving.

Sadly on this forum we rarely hear of what the 'decent' landlords have done, only the charletons, but hopefully you'll be back here in a few days to report that you've reached an agreement with your landlord....