Exit Fee on Electricity/Gas if Renting

mattaj

Hi,

We've just started renting places and are looking at choosing a new electricity and gas provider. We've noticed that a number of tariffs include a £25 exit fee if we leave the contract early, would this apply to us if we were moving out after ten months? Or would this apply to the new tenants if they decided to change after we moved in? Could we take our tariff with us?

Thanks!
Matt

(In addition, if anyone has any advice on tariffs for five working people who won't use much in the day, and whether we should combine electricity and gas, that would be great!)

CashStrapped

Most suppliers do not charge an exit fee if you are moving house and closing your account. This applies even if you are on a fixed tariff where they normally apply an "exit fee". This is different from switching to another supplier whilst living at the same property.

However, it is always best to check by giving them a call before hand.

Tariffs are usually tied to a particular person living at a specific property. So while you would not be charged an exit fee, you would not be able to take your tariff with you, as you are closing the account.

If you do not have any data with regards to your usage from previous properties, it becomes a best guess. Perhaps go for a good deal that does not lock you in, then once you get a better idea of your usage, switch!

The average use for Gas in the UK is 16,500kwh and 3300kwh for electric.

For a high use household it may be: Gas 23000kwh Electric 5100kwh

So, based on what you know of your household, you could use the average figures as a guide initially and then go from there.

Or, if you know that while you are in the property, you all use computers, TVs, playstations and like the house to be very warm, then use the higher figures.

As I said, if you initially go with a tariff without exit fees then you can switch once you get a better idea.

Do not forget though, you are moving into a property as winter is starting, so your usage figures maybe higher than expected initially.

macman

Moving house voids your contract without penalty. The new occupant has to start their own account, they don't inherit yours.