ftb what to do when first moving in?

focus888

hope this isn't a stupid question. When you first move in do you need to know who the last owner had their utility with or can you register with any company you want To? do i need to check with estate agents? thanks

RedFraggle

You'll usually have a letter waiting for you from the existing supplier offering to continue to provide that service. You can change to anyone you want.

matelodave

It's really important that you find out who the existing suppliers are and notify them of the meter readings on the day you move in. Don't rely on someone else doing it for you unless you want to risk paying for someone else's electricity. gas or water and possibly even their arrears as well. If you do it yourself you know it's been done. There will only be a letter there if the previous tenants/owners closed their accounts properly and there's been a decent interval between them going and you arriving. If they've left and not done it then the meters will still be running and you need to make sure that you take over the supply and agree the readings - don't let it drift.

Once you've done that you can then decide who you want to supply your services and make arrangements to swap.

It's a really good idea to read your meters regularly ideally weekly but not less than monthly so you can keep track of your consumption, check your bills and ensure that you are paying for what you use.

Most problems are caused by not sorting out your suppliers when you move in, not reading your meters, not knowing what you use and not checking your bills to make sure they are correct. Also if you have a direct debit arrangement set up make sure that the suppliers are taking it and it's appearing on your bills. Keep on top of them and you won't get any grief.