Active phone line in rented property

Dark_clouds_looming

We have just moved into a new rented property. As with all my previous rented properties, I arranged for a phone and broadband package. This was due to start last week but didn't and when I enquired, Plusnet said that the phone line hasn't been released.

I've just unpacked my phone and plugged it in to find that there is a dialling tone. However, when I've rung myself, the number is not one I recognise so I assume that it is the previous tennant's.

I've never moved in to a property and had an active phone line, so this has really confused me. Am I meant to continue the previous line as part of a tenancy agreement? And who is responsible for paying the disconnection fees if I transfer it?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Guest101

I'm confused. What fee are u being charged?

And what does your agreement say about the phone?

G_M

The phone company will eventually be p*ssed off as the previous tenants will not pay the bill (I imagine, seeing as hey've gone), so might be pleased to hear from you that their cusomer has moved.

Problem is
1) which phone company?
2) if you ring round BT, Talk Talk etc they won't speak to you or listen to you (data bloody protection)
3) so you are going to have troubl getting the existing contract between old tenants and (whichever) phone company, ended

Option is to just use the phone - but this will lead to all sorts of billing problems, plus may not give you the BB you want

Or try to get landlord to contact the old tenants to get them to arrange a final bill and close their account.

Building_Surveyor

When I left my rented house I left an active phone line. Left on the 1st but the phone line was staying open for a further 2weeks (as per t&cs). Everything was paid up before hand so that may be the case in your situation. However I believe the property sat empty for a while so wasn't a problem for the next person who moved in...

Unless bills are included I wouldn't continue or try to use the current line until the issue has been resolved, how, I have no idea...!

julie03

when we moved in there was an active line, we just phoned bt and they changed it into our name , had no probs at all