FTB - exchanged today, when to inform utility companies?

DepositSaver

Well, after several weeks of the seller being chased for answers to queries (which turned out to have been sent to the wrong address) I finally exchanged on the flat I am buying today :j

Completion date is Friday 21st, and I am just finalising my to do list for between now and then. I know that I need to take meter readings on the day of completion and phone the utility companies with them, but do I need to inform them now that I am moving in, or just tell them on the day? I didn't think I did, but have just read various advice online saying I should.

One other related question, possibly a stupid one, do I need to read the water meter? Indeed is a water meter even intended to be read by the householder? It's apparently under a manhole cover in the driveway of the block of flats - would seem a bit odd to me if I was expected to lift the cover and read the meter???

Thank you in advance.

Melaniep101

Just tell the utility companies after you've moved in, I didn't get around to phoning ours till a few days after moving day. As long as you take the meter readings on the day, you should be fine.

Not sure about the water meter, never had one.

jjlandlord

When you complete and get the keys, you go to the property and get a reading for all the meters then inform the utility company of the change of customer and of the readings.

Water meters are usually not under a manhole cover, but just a little unlocked square/round cover that you just open to see the meter (assuming that you have such an individual meter for your flat).

NVRAM

Aye meter readings are importasnt, I took timestamped photos when we moved in. Never know what meter reading the last tenant is gonna give

DepositSaver

Thanks all, I'll keep informing utility companies on the list of things to do on completion day.